Chapter 6: Locked Out
Chapter 6: Locked Out
Eleanor stood in the grand foyer of the sprawling estate, frantically shoving her expensive diamond jewelry, designer shoes, and cashmere sweaters into three massive Louis Vuitton suitcases. She was furious, her breath coming in short, angry huffs, but she remained arrogant. She assumed this was just a temporary blowout, an overreaction by a stressed husband. She figured I would calm down by morning, and she could manipulate her way back into my good graces with tears and apologies.
She zipped the last heavy bag, dragging it toward the door, and pulled her phone out to call an Uber Black to take her to the Four Seasons downtown.
She opened the app and requested a ride. A red error message popped up: Payment Method Declined.
Frowning in annoyance, she opened her digital wallet and switched to her platinum American Express card. Declined.
A sudden, sharp spike of panic hit her chest. Her hands began to shake as she dialed the bank directly. After a brief, agonizing hold, a 24-hour customer service representative answered. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Sterling, but all accounts under your name have been flagged and frozen by the primary account holder. Your cards have been permanently deactivated."
"You can't do that!" she shrieked at the phone, her voice echoing in the empty mansion. "I am his wife! You turn those cards back on immediately!"
"I apologize, ma'am, but the freeze was authorized legally. Have a good night."
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Before Eleanor could scream again, the front door’s heavy electronic deadbolt clicked loudly. The keypad next to the door flashed a harsh red. Her phone buzzed in her hand with an automated text message from my security company: Access codes revoked. Primary user has initiated lockdown protocol. Please vacate the premises.
She was trapped outside her own wealthy facade, standing on the cold porch with nothing but the clothes on her back and bags she couldn't afford to transport, as the rain continued to pour.
