Chapter 7 - No Honor Among Thieves
While Julian and Beatrice were forced into a cheap motel on the outskirts of the city, Chloe was experiencing her own rapid descent into hell.
She had retreated to her luxury downtown penthouse, confident that she still had her own assets. She had played the mistress perfectly, securing expensive gifts, cars, and a hefty allowance. She was a survivor.
But as she swiped her keycard at the lobby elevator, the light flashed angry red.
"Excuse me, Ms. Sterling," the concierge said, stepping out from behind the mahogany desk. He looked far less deferential than yesterday. "Your access has been revoked."
"Revoked? I own the penthouse!" Chloe shrieked, slamming the card against the reader.
"Actually, the penthouse was leased under the Vance Development Firm's corporate account," the concierge corrected, consulting a tablet. "As of 9:00 AM, the property was seized by the Sterling Sovereign Fund. The locks have already been changed."
Chloe’s heart stopped. "My clothes... my jewelry..."
"Boxed and waiting in the alley by the dumpsters," the concierge said with a polite but icy smile. "Security will escort you off the premises."
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Panic clawed at her throat. She pulled out her phone, dialing the wealthy older men she had kept as backups before landing Julian. One by one, it went straight to voicemail. The financial world was small, and gossip traveled faster than light. Everyone knew Chloe was tied to the Vances, and the Vances were currently the target of the most aggressive financial slaughter in modern history. She was contaminated.
Chloe stumbled out into the bustling street, a cold autumn wind biting through her designer silk. She was right back where she started. The gutter.
