The Golden Pavilion was the most exclusive restaurant in the city, a place where a single bottle of wine cost more than a commoner’s annual salary. Inside, Elara sat across from Gerald, her eyes gleaming as she admired the diamond necklace reflecting in the crystal glassware.
"Gerald, darling, this is too much," Elara purred, fingering the cold stones at her throat. "But I suppose it’s only natural for the Kaelen heir to be this generous".
Gerald puffed out his chest, his rented suit tight across his shoulders. "This is nothing, Elara. Once we sign the partnership with the Hawthorne Group tomorrow, I’ll buy you a villa in the hills. That loser Ethan couldn't even give you a glass of water, let alone a life like this".
"Don't even mention that trash," Elara sneered, her lip curling in disgust. "He actually had the nerve to claim he was dumping me. A beggar dumping a queen! He’s probably shivering in some alley right now, crying over that pathetic 50 ring".
The waiter approached, bowing low as he presented the bill on a silver tray. The total was 120,000.
Gerald didn't even look at the numbers. He pulled out a black credit card with a flourish and handed it to the waiter. "Keep the change as a tip. I don't deal with small bills."
Elara beamed, her heart swelling with pride. She finally had the status she deserved. She imagined Ethan’s face when he saw the news of her engagement tomorrow—it would be the ultimate face-slap.
A few minutes later, the waiter returned. He wasn't bowing anymore. His expression was strained, and the card was back on the tray.
"I'm sorry, sir," the waiter said, his voice loud enough for the nearby tables to hear. "The transaction was declined."
Gerald’s smile froze. "Declined? That’s impossible. Try it again. Your machine must be broken."
"We’ve tried three times, sir," the waiter replied, his tone growing colder. "The message says the account has been frozen due to suspected fraudulent activity."
Elara’s heart skipped a beat. "Gerald? What’s going on?"
"It’s just a banking error, honey. These high-limit cards get flagged for security all the time," Gerald stammered, his forehead beginning to beads with sweat. He pulled out another card. "Try this one."
Five minutes later, the waiter was back, and this time, he was accompanied by two large security guards.
"This one is also declined, Mr. Kaelen," the waiter said, his eyes narrowing. "In fact, we just received a notice from the Kaelen Group’s legal department. They claim they have no record of an 'heir' named Gerald and have authorized the immediate seizure of any assets using their name".
The restaurant went silent. The elite diners at the surrounding tables began to whisper and point.
"Is he a fraud?"
"I knew that suit looked cheap!"
"Look at the girl—she looks like she’s about to faint."
Elara felt the blood drain from her face. "Gerald, do something! This is embarrassing!"
"I... I don't understand," Gerald gasped, his bravado crumbling. "I have the funds! I..."
"If you cannot pay the $120,000 bill, we will be forced to call the police," the waiter stated firmly. "And the necklace the lady is wearing? Our records show the payment for that was also reversed ten minutes ago. Give it back."
One of the security guards stepped forward, his hand reaching for Elara’s throat.
"Don't touch me!" Elara shrieked, clutching the stones. "This is mine! Gerald, tell them!"
But Gerald was busy looking at his phone. His face had gone gray. Every single one of his accounts—the ones Ethan had ordered Thomas to liquidate—showed a balance of zero.
"I... I have to go," Gerald blurted out. He suddenly turned and bolted for the exit, leaving Elara sitting alone under the judging glares of the city’s elite.
"Wait! Gerald!" Elara cried out, but the security guard blocked her path.
"The bill, Miss Hawthorne," the guard said, his voice like gravel. "Or the police."
Elara’s hands trembled as she reached into her purse for her Hawthorne family gold card. It’s okay, she told herself. I’m the heiress. My family is rich.
She swiped the card.
Declined.
She tried her personal savings card.
Insufficient funds.
The realization hit her like a physical blow. Ethan’s words from the gate echoed in her head: “You’ll lose everything the Hawthorne family owns by sunset”.
At that moment, the giant digital screen across the street flickered to life. It didn't show a commercial. It showed a live news bulletin.
"Breaking News: The Hawthorne Group’s credit lines have been pulled by an anonymous major shareholder. The family is facing immediate bankruptcy and investigation into corporate fraud".
Elara collapsed back into her chair, her world spinning. This couldn't be happening. Ethan was a nobody. He was trash. How could a stray dog bite this hard?.
Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was an anonymous message.
“Enjoying the dinner, Elara? The check is on you. After all, a queen should be able to afford her own meal.”