Chapter 2: Locked Out
By Monday morning, the Morrisons’ artificial world had completely crumbled. Protocol 7 wasn't just a firing; it was a total asset freeze. Since Brendan and Diane had brazenly funneled all their "wealth" through corporate accounts to avoid taxes, Arthur had legally locked down every single cent.
Brendan, in a desperate state of denial, showed up at the downtown corporate plaza. He strutted up to the VIP elevator, swiped his platinum badge, and hit the button.
BEEP. Access Denied.
Before he could throw a tantrum, two security guards flanked him. They didn't guide him to his corner office; they marched him straight out the front revolving doors, tossing a cheap cardboard box containing his desk photos onto the sidewalk.
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Meanwhile, across town, Diane was sitting at her exclusive country club, trying to order a $300 bottle of champagne to soothe her nerves. When the waiter returned, he loudly announced that all four of her black cards had been declined. The other wealthy socialites watched in hushed, delighted horror as Diane was asked to leave the premises to settle her tab.
They thought they owned the city. They didn't realize I owned the grid.
