Chapter 4 - THE EMPTY TANK
Back at the mansion,
Spencer was trying to show Kaylie his "achievements."
He walked her down to the garage,
ready to take her for a high-speed victory lap.
The silver Italian sports car sat under the fluorescent lights,
a masterpiece of engineering.
But when Spencer pressed the start button,
the engine remained silent.
The digital dashboard flickered,
displaying a single,
ominous message:
"Vehicle Status: Repossessed by Owner."
What the hell is this?
Spencer shouted,
pounding his fist against the steering wheel.
Kaylie stepped back,
her heels clicking on the polished concrete.
Is there a problem with the car,
Spencer?
she asked,
her voice losing its flirtatious edge.
It’s just a glitch,
he snapped,
climbing out of the vehicle.
Everything in this house is high-tech,
sometimes the sensors act up.
He pulled out his phone to call his assistant,
but the screen was black.
No matter how many times he pressed the button,
it wouldn't turn on.
The service had been disconnected,
the account closed by the corporate administrator.
Martha came running down the stairs,
her face pale and panicked.
Spencer!
The lights in the guest suite just went out!
And I tried to order dinner,
but my card was declined!
Spencer felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead.
Calm down,
Mother,
it’s probably just a banking error.
I’ll call the manager at the club and have them send someone.
He walked to the wall-mounted intercom,
but it too was dead.
The entire house was falling into a deep,
technological coma.
Kaylie looked around the garage,
her eyes narrowing as she saw a black tow truck pull into the driveway.
Spencer,
who are those people?
she asked,
pointing toward the window.
Two men in tactical uniforms stepped out of the truck,
carrying clipboards and heavy-duty chains.
Spencer Solomon?
one of them asked,
his voice booming in the quiet night.
Who’s asking?
Spencer demanded,
trying to maintain his posture.
We’re here for the vehicle and the household assets,
the man said,
handing him a stack of papers.
By order of T.S. Holding Group,
your lease on this property and all associated equipment has been terminated.
Spencer grabbed the papers,
his eyes scanning the legal jargon.
This is a mistake!
I own this company!
he screamed.
The man didn't even look up as he hooked the chain to the sports car.
The records say otherwise,
sir,
he replied.
You’re listed as a temporary consultant with no equity.
Martha let out a sharp,
gasping breath,
clutching her chest.
No equity?
That’s impossible!
Spencer has worked day and night!
The tow truck engine roared to life,
and the silver car was pulled slowly out of the garage.
Spencer stood there,
helpless,
watching his status symbol vanish into the darkness.
Kaylie took another step back,
her hand moving to the silk robe she was still wearing.
Spencer,
you told me you were the CEO,
she said,
her voice dripping with suspicion.
I am the CEO!
he yelled,
turning on her.
Taylor did this!
That bitch did something to the accounts!
He ran toward the front door,
intending to find her,
to hurt her,
to force her to fix it.
But as he reached the threshold,
the electronic locks engaged with a heavy,
metallic thud.
He was locked out of his own bedroom.
He was locked out of his own office.
May you like
He was a stranger in a house that no longer recognized his voice.
The silence that followed was the loudest sound he had ever heard.
