Chapter 6 - THE FIRST WARNING
The first sign came from Adrian's bank account.
He didn't notice it immediately.
He was too busy enjoying the new car.
Restaurants.
Clubs.
Private parties.
Luxury hotels.
Then one afternoon, his credit card was declined.
Adrian stared at the cashier.
“Try it again.”
The cashier did.
Declined.
Adrian pulled out another card.
Declined.
He called his private banker.
“What's happening?”
The banker sounded nervous.
“Mr. Sterling, some of your accounts are under review.”
“What does that mean?”
“I can't discuss the details.”
Adrian's expression hardened.
“My father authorized those accounts.”
“Yes.”
“So fix it.”
“I'll speak with the family office.”
Adrian ended the call.
He immediately called Richard.
No answer.
He called again.
Still nothing.
For the first time, Adrian felt something unfamiliar.
Fear.
He drove home.
Richard was sitting in the living room.
Adrian entered.
“Dad.”
Richard looked up.
“My cards aren't working.”
“I know.”
Adrian froze.
“You know?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Richard calmly placed his glass on the table.
“Because I changed the financial structure.”
Adrian stared.
“What does that mean?”
“It means you should start managing your own money.”
“I thought you said you were buying the car.”
“I did.”
Adrian's voice rose.
“So what's the problem?”
“There is no problem.”
“My accounts are frozen.”
“Some are.”
“Why?”
Richard looked at him.
“Because you're an adult.”
Adrian laughed.
“You're punishing me.”
“No.”
“Then what is this?”
Richard's voice remained calm.
“Reality.”
Adrian walked closer.
“You can't do this.”
Richard raised an eyebrow.
“I already did.”
Adrian left the room furious.
But that night, he couldn't sleep.
For the first time in his life, money was no longer automatic.
He opened his banking app again.
One account had been restored.
The others remained inaccessible.
Then he noticed something strange.
A transfer had been made from one of his accounts.
The destination was unknown.
May you like
Adrian stared at the screen.
He had never seen the account number before.
