Inside the luxury jewelry store, Mark struggled to regain his composure.
The store manager stared down at him with an awkward, uncomfortable expression.
Chloe pulled on Mark's sleeve, her voice rising in high-pitched panic.
Chloe: Mark, what was she talking about?!
Chloe: Does she really own half of your entire company?!
Mark pushed himself up off the cold marble floor with shaking hands.
Mark: Shut up, Chloe! Just give me a second to think!
He pulled out his cell phone and frantically dialed his lead corporate attorney.
The call went straight to voicemail after ringing four full times.
Mark slammed his phone against his palm, sweating profusely through his suit.
Chloe: Is my diamond necklace purchase still going through right now?
Mark: Forget the stupid necklace, Chloe!
The store manager stepped back behind the counter and picked up the ring.
Manager: Sir, do you want me to hold this ring for you?
Mark: Put it away! Just cancel the whole transaction immediately!
Mark ran toward the glass exit doors, shoving through the heavy entryway.
He looked down the busy city sidewalk, but Emma was already gone.
His phone suddenly buzzed violently in his trembling hand.
It was an urgent text message from his chief financial officer.
The message stated that all corporate bank accounts had just been frozen.
A emergency court order had been served to their headquarters ten minutes ago.
Mark felt his chest tighten as he leaned against the brick building wall.
He realized that his entire life was crumbling right before his eyes.
Everything he had built on lies was collapsing in a single afternoon.