The property manager stood outside with two stern security guards.
Neither woman had any idea what darker truth was about to surface.
“You have ten minutes to collect your belongings and vacate the property immediately,” the manager announced coldly.
Betsy burst into arrogant laughter.
“My son paid for this entire place, so you clearly have no idea who you are talking to,” Betsy snapped back.
“The reservation is registered strictly under the name of Mrs. Naomi Davenport,” the manager replied calmly. “She covered the lodging, the chef, the vehicles, and every service, and she just revoked your authorization to stay.”
Pamela dropped her smartphone in disbelief.
Betsy frantically searched her purse for the card Lucas had given her years earlier.
“Charge me for another night right now because I will pay double,” Betsy demanded angrily.
The manager swiped the card.
A sharp beep sounded.
The screen showed DENIED in bold letters.
They tried three times.
The result never changed.
Minutes later, their designer luggage sat outside the main gate, and their rental car reservation had also been canceled.
The mountain night was damp, bitterly cold, and completely dark.
Pamela shivered in silk pajamas while Betsy stood in a thin robe and high heels.
“Call Lucas this instant,” Betsy ordered frantically.
Nobody answered.
While the two women wandered helplessly along the dark roadside, Naomi, Lucas, Walter, and Nancy were enjoying fresh seafood overlooking the calm Caribbean water.
Nancy laughed freely for the first time since the morning humiliation.
Walter tasted the fish and remarked that he had never seen ocean water so clear and blue.
Naomi’s phone vibrated repeatedly on the table.
Eventually, a desperate voicemail arrived from Betsy.
“Lucas, please help us because we have been evicted,” Betsy pleaded in a broken voice. “Some terrifying debt collectors showed up claiming they will destroy everything tonight if I do not pay them, so please transfer money right away.”
