Chapter 6 - The Morning Toast
The next morning, the bright American sun reflected beautifully off the tranquil lake.
Inside the massive, gleaming kitchen, Diane, Evan, Lauren, and Michael were celebrating. Lauren was pouring fresh orange juice, while Michael cracked open an expensive bottle of vintage champagne he had found in Claire’s private wine cellar.
"I have to admit, Evan, I am incredibly proud of you," Diane smiled, accepting a crystal flute of mimosas. She adjusted her pearl necklace. "You finally put your foot down. That woman was a leech. She never appreciated how hard you work to provide this luxury."
Evan puffed out his chest, leaning against the white marble counter.
"It had to be done, Mom," Evan bragged, sipping his drink. "I am the sole provider. I make the rules. If she couldn't handle sharing my success with my family, then she doesn't deserve to be here."
"I'm hiring a decorator today," Lauren announced smugly, looking around the kitchen. "All this red and white is entirely too sterile. We are changing everything."
Evan pulled out his phone to order an extravagant catered breakfast from the country club to celebrate their new living arrangement. He swiped his black corporate credit card on the app.
Transaction Declined.
Evan frowned, assuming it was a simple bank glitch. He tried his personal debit card.
Transaction Declined. Account Frozen.
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Before Evan could even process the sudden, terrifying red text on his screen, a violently loud, aggressive pounding echoed from the front of the mansion.
👉 Diane marched to the door expecting to insult Claire, but she was about to face her absolute worst nightmare.
