Chapter 7 - RATS FLEEING THE SHIP
The rain poured down on the streets of New York as Ethan stood on the sidewalk, watching his keycard flash red at the building's entrance. He was locked out. His bank accounts were frozen. His credit score was in freefall.
He pulled out his phone and called Vanessa.
"Van," he said, his voice cracking. "I need you to come pick me up. I had to leave the luggage at the airport yesterday, and my cards aren't working to call a black car."
There was a long silence on the other end.
"Ethan," Vanessa's voice was cold. Not the breathy, flirty tone she usually used. "I saw the news on Bloomberg. They're saying you're bankrupt."
"It's a temporary setback," he lied desperately. "Grace is playing a game, but I'll sue her. I'll get it back. I just need you to bring your car—"
"I don't think so," Vanessa interrupted. "I didn't sign up for a fixer-upper, Ethan. I signed up for a billionaire. I’m moving my things out of the penthouse. Don't call me again."
The line went dead.
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Ethan stared at his phone. The screen flickered, displaying a notification. It was a news alert: COLE-BENNETT HOSPITALITY REBRANDS AS VANGUARD LUXURY. GRACE BENNETT NAMED CEO.
He had thrown away a woman who would have moved mountains for him in the dark, all for a woman who wouldn't even order him an Uber in the rain.
