Chapter 6 - Stranded in Paradise
The reality hit Royce like an icy wave crashing over his skull. He stood on the scorching tarmac, his expensive leather shoes burning against the asphalt, surrounded by airport security guards who viewed him not as a titan of industry, but as a trespassing trespasser.
"My luggage!" Kira shrieked, her voice stripping away every trace of sophisticated elegance. "My bags are in the hold! My designer dresses! You can't just seize my personal property!"
"Any property purchased using Vega Development corporate funds over the past twelve months is subject to forensic audit and temporary impoundment," Attorney Martinez informed her coldly. "You may take whatever clothing you are currently wearing, your handbag, and your personal phone. The remainder will be held in escrow in Connecticut until your deposition."
"Deposition?" Kira’s voice cracked in sheer panic. "I'm the vice president of marketing! I don't answer to her!"
"You're an unindicted co-conspirator in commercial embezzlement, Ms. Sandival," Martinez said without an ounce of sympathy. "And as of noon today, Davis Holt officially fired you from your position for gross misconduct."
Royce grabbed his phone, his thumb trembling violently as he dialed his personal banker at Chase Private Client in Hartford.
"Brad, it's Royce. I need an emergency wire transfer of fifty thousand dollars to Scottsdale right now. Someone has tampered with my corporate line."
The voice on the other end was strained, formal, and distant. "I'm sorry, Mr. Vega. We received an emergency restraining order signed by Judge Thornton thirty minutes ago. All personal and joint accounts bearing your Social Security number have been frozen pending divorce inventory. Your credit cards have been suspended."
"Every card?" Royce roared, sweat finally breaking out across his forehead, ruining his styled hair. "I'm in Arizona with no vehicle! How am I supposed to pay for a hotel?"
"I suggest you consult your legal representation, sir," the banker said, and the line disconnected with a sharp click.
Kira turned on Royce, her face twisted in venomous rage. "You told me she was weak! You told me she was just a tired nurse who didn't care about the business! We have nowhere to stay! The reservation at the resort was booked on your corporate card!"
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Royce looked around the barren, sunbaked tarmac. The jet was locked, the steps pulled up, the red seizure tape gleaming across the cabin door. His private kingdom had vanished in less than ten minutes.
He looked down at his phone, his chest heaving, and finally dialed the number he should have treated with reverence from the very beginning.
