Chapter 2 - THE FROZEN PARADISE
Back inside the Brentwood dining room, the heavy bass of a holiday jazz playlist filled the air, masking the sudden, harsh reality creeping in from the outside world.
Evan’s phone buzzed in his tailored blazer pocket. He pulled it out, expecting a notification from his booking agent or a congratulatory text from one of his high-society Hollywood acquaintances. Instead, a bright red banner flashed across his screen.
Transaction Declined: Insufficient Funds.
He frowned, tapping the screen aggressively. He switched to his corporate app—the one linked directly to the auxiliary business line I underwrote for his so-called 'production firm.'
Account Status: Suspended. Contact Administrator.
"Babe," Evan muttered, leaning over toward Claire, who was busy showing Lorraine a new diamond tennis bracelet Evan had "bought" her (using my Christmas bonus check from last week). "My app is bugging out. Did you touch the primary account settings?"
Claire didn't look up from her wrist. "What are you talking about? I haven't opened my banking app all morning. Probably just holiday server traffic. Ask your mother to pass the potatoes."
Lorraine scooped a heavy helping of whipped potatoes onto her plate, her diamond rings clicking against the porcelain. "Always technical issues with modern banking. When I was your age, we kept cash in a lockbox behind the wall art. You kids rely too much on invisible money."
"Let me try paying the delivery guy for the extra wine cases," Evan said, stepping away from the table toward the hallway. He dialed the customer service line for the credit card company.
After a tense three-minute wait on hold, a robotic voice repeated the fatal words: This card has been permanently locked by the primary account holder.
Evan’s face drained of color. He walked back into the dining room, his boots clicking heavily against the imported Italian tile.
"Claire," he said, his voice dropping an octave, catching the attention of everyone at the table. "Get your phone. Now."
Claire sighed dramatically, setting her fork down with a sharp clatter. "Evan, please, we are having a family celebration. Why are you creating drama on Christmas?"
"My card is locked. Yours will be too. Check the app."
Claire pulled her designer handbag off the chair, fished out her gold-plated smartphone, and tapped her banking app. The screen spun for a second before flashing a stark, unyielding notification: Account frozen due to security policy update.
"Must be a glitch," Claire said, though a sudden tremor caught the edge of her voice. She forced a bright, brittle laugh to cover the tightening in her chest. "Mom's accountant probably triggered an automated audit for tax season. I'll just text her."
She opened her messaging app, typed out a sharp demand—Mom, fix whatever banking lock you accidentally triggered, we are trying to buy dessert supplies—and hit send.
The message sat there. No 'Delivered' receipt popped up underneath.
She tried to call. The phone rang once before going straight to a dead, automated click.
May you like
At the end of the table, little Noah looked up from his untouched plate of food, his wide, dark eyes moving between his parents. "Is Grandma coming back?" he asked quietly.
"Eat your food, Noah," Claire snapped, her face flushing a hot, mottled crimson. "Your grandmother is just throwing a ridiculous temper tantrum because she didn't get her way."
