The front desk clerk thought for a moment and said, "Don't panic just yet. We had another guest in a similar situation before. Turned out, a large transfer suddenly hit his account, triggering the bank's security system. With all the online scams and illegal gambling nowadays, banks are strict about big money coming in or out. Maybe something like that happened to you? If so, you just need to go sort it out with your bank."
Yesterday, after selling her necklace and brooch, Jessica had received three million dollars wired into her account by the owner of a luxury resale boutique. This must be exactly what the clerk was talking about. She thanked him for the advice.
Fortunately, she'd left a deposit when checking in, so the front desk was able to switch her to a "stay now, pay later" arrangement for three more days.
With the hotel situation handled, Jessica decided she'd head to the bank first to resolve her account, then visit the courthouse for legal advice.
She had no access to her bank card and no cash on hand. The bank was nearby—just a short walk—but the courthouse was too far to reach on foot.
At the bank, Jessica finally learned the truth: her bank account had been frozen by court order.
Timothy.
Was he really trying to drive her into a corner?
Thank God, the boutique owner had given her a check yesterday as well.
Jessica took out the check, ready to cash it.
She wasn't going to let Timothy force her hand like this.
But at the counter, the teller looked at her apologetically. "I'm sorry, ma'am. During your divorce proceedings, your husband applied to freeze joint marital assets, claiming you were moving funds out of the marriage. He provided proof of the six million you received from selling jewelry. That means we can't cash this check for you either."
Jessica felt her mind go blank.
Timothy wasn't leaving her any way out.
How ironic.
He always claimed she wouldn't survive without him—and now, this was how he intended to make it true? By cutting off every path forward?
So, the jewelry he gave her was only ever hers to wear, never truly hers to keep.
That brooch he'd supposedly picked out just for her—what a cruel joke, in hindsight.
Jessica stumbled out of the bank, dazed.
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