Chapter 3 - The Frozen Paradise
Two thousand miles away, the Caribbean sun was beating down on the terrace of the Four Seasons Bahamas. Julian and Sylvia were seated at a VIP cabana, eating lobster tail and sipping five-hundred-dollar vintage champagne.
“I told you she’d be fine,” Sylvia purred, applying another layer of designer sunscreen. “Clara is dramatic. A few days alone will teach her not to be so needy. A wife needs to know her place.”
Julian smirked, waving over the waiter for another bottle. “Exactly. She thinks because her family has old money, she can dictate my schedule. I’m the man of the house. I make the rules.”
The waiter, a polite man in a crisp white uniform, approached the table holding a black leather checkbook. But he wasn't carrying a new bottle of champagne.
“Excuse me, Mr. Vance,” the waiter said, clearing his throat nervously. “There seems to be an issue with your card. It was declined.”
Julian laughed, a condescending, arrogant sound. “That’s impossible. It’s an Amex Centurion. There is no limit. Run it again.”
“We did, sir. Three times,” the manager interjected, stepping out from behind the waiter. He did not look amused. “I also took the liberty of trying the secondary cards on your file. Visa, Mastercard, and your corporate account. They have all returned with a 'Fraud Alert: Do Not Honor' code.”
Sylvia lowered her sunglasses, her face flushing with anger. “Do you know who my son is? This is an outrage! Bring us a phone immediately!”
Julian snatched his cell phone from the table, dialing his private banker in New York. The automated voice that greeted him sent a block of ice sliding down his spine.
“We’re sorry, but this account has been frozen pending a federal investigation. Goodbye.”
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“What the hell?” Julian muttered, panic finally breaking through his arrogant facade. He tried to log into his banking app. A red screen flashed: ACCESS DENIED.
The manager crossed his arms. “Sir, if you cannot provide a valid form of payment for this cabana and the $4,000 balance on your suite, I will have to ask security to escort you off the premises.”
