Chapter 4 - The Corporate Freeze
The next morning, the formal dining room was bright with the pale light of a late autumn sun.
Lorraine sat at the head of the long mahogany table, feeding Theo a bowl of fresh berries while Sabrina adjusted her diamond watch.
Graham was frantically pacing near the window, his phone glued to his ear as his face rapidly lost its remaining color.
"What do you mean the merchant line is declined?" Graham shouted into the receiver, his voice cracking with absolute panic. "It’s a corporate platinum card! There is no spending limit!"
"The account has been placed under an administrative hold by the primary trust custodian, sir," the automated bank message echoed through the quiet room.
Sabrina stood up, her designer silk blouse rumpling as she crossed her arms. "Graham, call your personal lawyer. This is ridiculous. I have a real estate closing in Manhattan at ten o'clock."
"The lawyer isn't answering, Sabrina," I said, stepping into the dining room from the grand foyer, my hands tucked calmly into my blazer pockets.
Everyone turned, Lorraine’s expression instantly tightening with that familiar, cold irritation.
"Audrey, stop interrupting your husband while he's dealing with a business crisis," Lorraine snapped, lifting her chin.
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"The business crisis is sitting right in front of you, Lorraine," I said, placing the printed trust injection orders flat on the table.
"By order of the federal district court, all assets under Keller Northstar are officially frozen. You have exactly four hours to pack your personal belongings and vacate this house."
