His Black Card Failed the Moment His Wife Stepped Forward
Chapter 1 - Not Anymore
Daniel Carter smiled as he wrapped one arm around Olivia's waist.
She was seven months pregnant.
Her pale lavender dress stretched gently over her stomach, and the diamond ring in the display case reflected beneath the jewelry store lights.
Olivia leaned against him.
"Your wife's finally out of the way."
Daniel smiled.
"By tomorrow, she won't matter anymore."
Neither of them noticed Claire standing behind the marble column.
Daniel's wife of fourteen years.
She wore a dark green jumpsuit and held her phone loosely in one hand.
She had followed him there deliberately.
Not because she had just discovered the affair.
She had known for four months.
Daniel pointed toward the largest diamond.
"We'll take it."
He pulled out his black card and placed it on the glass counter.
The clerk inserted it.
A beep sounded.
Her smile faded.
"Sorry, sir. Your card's been declined."
Daniel frowned.
"Try again. It's my account."
Behind the column, Claire tapped her phone.
The clerk checked the terminal again.
"No, sir. Not anymore."
Daniel froze.
Claire stepped into view.
His face changed instantly.
"Claire?"
Olivia released his arm.
Claire looked at the diamond ring.
"Twenty-eight thousand?"
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"What did you do?"
Claire smiled.
"Nothing."
"You froze my card."
"No."
She slipped her phone into her bag.
"I froze my card."
Daniel stared at her.
Then laughed.
"Your card?"
He stepped closer.
"Claire, I transferred everything weeks ago."
That was the moment she had been waiting for.
"You mean the house?"
Silence.
"The investment accounts?"
Daniel's expression hardened.
"The company shares?"
Olivia looked between them.
Daniel smiled again.
This time arrogantly.
"You're too late."
Claire nodded slowly.
"Am I?"
She pulled a small envelope from her handbag.
Inside was a bank statement.
Balance:
$17.43
Daniel stared.
His smile vanished.
Claire leaned closer.
"That's everything you own."
