Chapter 5 - Chloe’s Meltdown
The financial squeeze didn't take long to reach Chloe’s pampered, oblivious world.
I was enjoying a quiet lunch at an exclusive country club when a commotion erupted near the entrance.
Chloe came storming onto the terrace, pushing past the maître d', her face red and furious.
She was waving a declined platinum credit card in the air like a white flag of surrender.
“You did this!” she shrieked, drawing the eyes of every wealthy socialite on the patio.
“You froze Julian’s accounts, and now my card is declining at the jewelry store!”
I took a delicate sip of my sparkling water, refusing to stand up or match her hysterical energy.
“Keep your voice down, Chloe, you’re embarrassing yourself in front of my friends,” I said smoothly.
She slammed her hands on my table, causing the expensive silverware to rattle against the china plates.
“Julian is going to destroy you in court for hoarding his money!” she threatened, though her voice shook.
“His money?” I laughed out loud, a genuine, joyful sound that echoed across the quiet terrace.
“Julian is drowning in hundreds of millions of dollars in secret debt, sweetheart.”
Chloe froze, her angry expression rapidly morphing into absolute confusion and panic.
“He doesn't have a cent to his name right now; he was counting on his mother’s inheritance to save him,” I explained.
“And since I took that away, your rich, powerful billionaire boyfriend is practically bankrupt.”
I watched the color completely drain from her young, heavily contoured face as the reality set in.
She hadn't signed up for a struggling, debt-ridden man; she had signed up for yachts and endless shopping sprees.
“You’re lying,” she whispered, but her trembling hands gave away her internal terror.
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“Ask him about the default notices from the bank,” I suggested, motioning for security to escort her out.
As the guards gently pulled her away, I knew the seed of doubt had been planted.
