Chapter 2 - The Red Balance
The notification on Gage’s phone glowed like an open wound: Transaction Declined: Insufficient Funds.
"Arthur, wait!" Gage shouted, lunging forward, but the heavy oak doors of the main house clicked shut in his face. Around him, the dozens of high-society guests who had moments earlier laughed at his mediocre jokes now turned their faces away, whispering behind flutes of vintage champagne.
Gage whirled toward Eleanor, desperate for salvation. "Mother, tell him he cannot do this! My penthouse lease is due tomorrow. The payments on the Aston Martin—"
"Quiet down, Gage," Eleanor snapped quietly, smoothing her lace gown, though a tight vein pulsed at her temple. "You pushed him too far in public. Arthur handles the trust fund; I only control the estate grounds. Go to your apartment and lie low until he cools off."
Refusing to believe his elder brother would truly abandon him, Gage stormed toward the valet station. He slapped his leather keyholder on the counter, demanding his car. The valet attendant, who had worked for Arthur for ten years, looked at his tablet with an impassive expression.
"I apologize, Mr. Gage," the attendant said evenly. "Mr. Arthur Vance issued an asset recall order ten minutes ago. The company vehicle is being returned to the corporate garage. You will need to arrange your own transport."
May you like
Standing on the curb in his four-thousand-dollar tuxedo as the sunset faded into cold twilight, Gage pulled out his black card to order a limousine service. The card terminal blinked once, twice, and flashed bright crimson: Account Suspended.
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