Chapter 7 - The Foundation Crumbles
Kristen looked between Patrick and the folder, suspicion narrowing her eyes. “Patrick, what is she talking about? You said your business was thriving. You said we got that line of credit from the bank!”
Patrick couldn't look at her. He kept his eyes glued to the hardwood floor, his breathing shallow.
“He didn't get it from the bank, Kristen,” I revealed, resting my fingertips on the folder. “Patrick couldn't secure commercial financing because his debt-to-income ratio was catastrophic after you insisted on buying that half-million-dollar house in the gated community. He came to me in tears eight months ago, begging for Gerald’s emergency reserve trust to act as guarantor.”
The silence that followed was heavy and suffocating. Brenda, Brad, and the rest of Kristen’s family stood frozen in the foyer, suddenly realizing the ground beneath them wasn't nearly as solid as they had believed.
“You... you lied to me?” Kristen whispered, rounding on Patrick. “You told me your firm landed three corporate contracts!”
“I did land contracts!” Patrick yelled defensively, cracking under the pressure. “They just didn’t pay out in time! I had to cover payroll! I had to pay for your country club membership, Kristen! I had to pay for the private school tuition you demanded so your family wouldn’t look down on us!”
“Do not pin your failures on me!” she screamed, lunging to hit him on the arm with her heavy leather purse. “You’re a fraud! You let me believe we were wealthy while we’re living off your mommy’s handouts!”
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“Enough of this circus,” Daniel cut in, stepping between them. He picked up their coats from the banister and shoved them into Brad’s arms. “The parking lot is outside. Take your drama somewhere else.”
Brad didn't need to be told twice. He grabbed his coat, pulled his wife by the wrist, and slipped out the front door into the brisk evening chill. Brenda followed right behind them, muttering curses under her breath about low-class families.
