Chapter 3

"Beep. Incorrect PIN..." The card reader beeped after my third failed attempt.

I stared at my credit card in confusion. The PIN was correct. Why wasn't it working?

"I'm sorry, ma'am. All your cards are showing incorrect PINs. And since you don't have a physical ID, we cannot check you in," the hotel receptionist said, handing the cards back to me.

I was completely lost.

"That's impossible. How can none of these cards work?"

Evelyn had smashed my phone and destroyed my ID. Now, even my bank cards were useless.

While I was trying to figure out what to do, Evelyn and Brandon walked into the hotel lobby.

"See? I told you she'd be here!" Evelyn gloated. "Having trouble checking in, aren't we?"

"Let me tell you the truth. My son gave me all your card details and PINs a long time ago. I changed them all. You can't use a single dollar now."

"You'll have to wait until the bank opens tomorrow to reset them. I told you, I'll make sure you sleep on the streets tonight!"

Evelyn smirked at me, her eyes filled with malicious triumph.

"But, if you get down on your knees right now, beg for my forgiveness, and promise to obey me from now on, I might let you come home."

Brandon stepped up and gave me a look.

"Chloe, just apologize. Why do you have to be so stubborn? Is it that hard to just listen to my mom?"

"The hotels around here require IDs. You have no money, no phone, no ID, and you don't know anyone. You really are going to sleep on the street!"

"This isn't a big city. There are plenty of creeps and drunkards out there at night. If something happens to you..."

I glared at him so fiercely that he took two steps back, hiding behind his mother.

Ever since I graduated, I had fought my way up from the bottom to the executive level.

No one had ever managed to manipulate me, let alone using such disgusting, lowlife tactics.

I met Brandon when he visited our headquarters for a business trip. It was almost love at first sight.

During our three years together, I fell for his gentle, caring personality.

As a career-focused woman, I was drawn to his warmth.

Eventually, I made the huge decision to relocate to his hometown to start a family with him.

I never expected that this gentle man was actually a spineless, pathetic mama's boy!

They wanted to break me? In their dreams.

I turned to the receptionist. "Call the police, please."

"This woman stole my phone, destroyed my ID, and illegally accessed my bank accounts. Let's see who the police will take away tonight!"

A few minutes later, two officers walked into the lobby. Before I could speak, Evelyn rushed forward and grabbed one of the officers' hands.

"Marcus, thank God you're here!"

"It's my ungrateful daughter-in-law. She ran away in the middle of the night and even dared to call the police on us. You need to talk some sense into her!"