Chapter 2 - The House of Cards
Downstairs in the breakfast solarium, Beatrice Vance was already screaming at the estate manager. Her antique teacup rattled against its saucer.
"What do you mean the landscapers walked off the job?" Beatrice demanded, pulling her silk robe tighter around her rigid frame.
"Their checks bounced, Mrs. Vance," the manager said, looking highly uncomfortable. "And the caterers from last night’s gala are threatening to call the press. They say the wire transfer was reversed."
Before Beatrice could unleash another volley of insults, the heavy mahogany front doors swung open. Julian rushed down the grand staircase, looking disheveled, still wearing his sleepwear. Chloe followed closely behind, clutching her silk wrap.
"Mother," Julian gasped. "Call your brother. Call the senators. We need an emergency injunction. The Sterling Fund is calling in our debts."
Beatrice’s haughty expression shattered. "The Sterling Fund? That’s impossible. We’ve had a gentleman’s agreement with their proxies for a decade. They never intervene directly."
"They intervened last night," Julian shouted, pacing the marble floor. "Someone initiated Protocol Omega. Do you understand what that means? They aren't just cutting us off. They are executing a hostile liquidation."
Chloe crossed her arms, her diamond-encrusted nails tapping against her arms. "Well, just call your lawyers, Julian. This is absurd. You are a Vance. You own this town."
"Not anymore," a sharp, unfamiliar voice echoed from the doorway.
May you like
Three men in sharp charcoal suits stood in the entryway, flanked by two armed federal marshals. The lead man held up a leather-bound folder.
"Julian Vance? Beatrice Vance?" he asked, though he clearly didn't need them to confirm. "I am lead counsel for the Sterling Sovereign Fund. I am here to serve you with immediate eviction notices for this property, as well as asset-freeze warrants for all personal and corporate holdings. You have exactly one hour to vacate the premises."
