Chapter 3 - The Declined Card
The digital grandfather clock in the penthouse softly chimed, signaling exactly two o'clock in the morning.
Julian, heavily intoxicated by his own perceived power, decided he wanted another incredibly rare bottle of vintage wine.
He confidently picked up the golden phone specifically reserved for the penthouse and instantly dialed the executive concierge.
"Send up a bottle of the 1945 Romanée-Conti immediately," Julian demanded, not even bothering to say please.
There was a long, highly unusual pause on the other end of the private line.
"I sincerely apologize, Mr. Vance, but I am completely unable to fulfill that specific request," the concierge replied nervously.
Julian tightly gripped the heavy golden phone, his face instantly flushing with immense, uncontrollable anger.
"Do you have any idea who you are talking to?" Julian screamed into the receiver.
"I literally own this entire resort!"
"You will bring me that expensive wine right now, or you will be permanently fired before sunrise!"
"Sir, your exclusive corporate tab has been suddenly and completely suspended by the central financial department," the concierge explained softly.
"Your personal platinum credit cards have also been systematically declined across our entire global system."
Julian aggressively slammed the heavy phone down, his chest heaving with absolute, furious indignation.
"What is wrong, baby?" Chloe asked softly, clearly noticing the sudden, dark shift in his arrogant demeanor.
"It is just some stupid, pathetic banking glitch," Julian lied smoothly, aggressively rubbing his temples.
"I am going to march down to the main lobby and personally fire the idiot manager who is causing this mess."
He dramatically stormed out of the beautiful penthouse, leaving a highly confused Chloe sitting totally alone.
He aggressively pressed the elevator button, completely unaware that his exclusive master keycard was already deactivated.
When he finally stepped inside the elevator, the bright digital panel flashed a bright, warning red light.
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"Access Denied," the automated voice calmly stated, echoing loudly in the enclosed, luxurious space.
Julian violently punched the glass panel in pure frustration, suddenly feeling a cold, terrifying sense of dread slowly creeping into his stomach.
