Chapter 275
“Nate,” Luther said coolly over the phone, “your friend’s wife has racked up five million on my account. Don’t forget to settle it. You know me–I never let anyone run a tab. But since she’s your friend’s wife, I figured I’d do you this one favor.
“I heard you’ve been losing big in the stock market lately. If you can’t pay the five million, I’ll have to ask Father to cover it. I need the money to pay my employees.”
Then his full-blooded sister, Linda Hendricks, called too.
“Nate, your friend’s wife ran up a three million bill at my place a few days ago. She claimed anything Carter spent should be billed to you. Since Carter’s your friend, I didn’t want to embarrass you, so I agreed.
“I know three million isn’t an astronomical amount, and under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have brought it up. But you know how my company’s doing. If I can’t turn that money around soon, it’s going under.
“I only have three days, Nate. If I can’t get the funds in time, I’ll have to borrow from Father.”
Sharon had spent two million at his mall, five million at Luther’s, and three million at Linda’s.
Luther, his half-brother and sworn enemy, would no doubt run to their father with this if the debt wasn’t paid.
Linda-his actual sister-had no business sense to speak of. Her company was already teetering. If his friend’s wife blew three million at her establishment and he refused to pay it back, he’d be a complete bastard.
Sharon had chosen her targets well. She knew exactly who he couldn’t afford to stiff. And that’s exactly where she spent.
That woman was venomous.
Carter’s brow was deeply furrowed. “Are you sure she didn’t go to any Biggs Group properties? Only Hendricks-owned ones?”
“I’m sure!” Nate’s voice was shaking with rage, jaw clenched so tight it sounded like he was chewing glass. “I’ve already had someone follow her. She’s still out there, waving your marriage license around like a free pass, shopping like she’s got no limit!”
In fact, a few days ago, Nate had tried to stop her. He’d sent people to block her from entering his malls.
Sharon had called the police and claimed unlawful detention as well as restricted personal freedom.
With no way around it, Nate had no choice but to notify all his mall branches: no more purchases on credit, not for anyone.
So what did Sharon do? She stopped going to his stores and started shopping at Luther’s.
Luther welcomed her with open arms. As long as she wanted to spend, he was happy to extend credit.
Why? Because, as Luther put it, “You don’t turn away your brother’s friends.”
Nate had already warned him-explicitly told him not to let Sharon charge another cent. But Luther just shrugged it off with a smile and a dozen excuses.
“Nate, come on. Carter’s your best friend, right? The guy pulled your company out of the fire more than once. His wife shows up at my store, what am I supposed to do? Slam the door in her face?
“Besides, Carter’s loaded. He spends a fortune on that mistress of his-what’s her name, Kelly? If he can throw money at her, his wife buying a few things shouldn’t be a problem, right?
“I mean, after everything Carter’s done for you, don’t tell me you’re gonna get stingy about this now?”
Nate had no comeback. He was completely silenced.
But he got the message loud and clear.
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Chapter 275
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As long as Sharon wanted to shop, Luther would let her.
And the bill? Of course it would end up on Nate’s tab.
He could clamp down on his own operations and make sure no one gave her credit, but he couldn’t control Luther.
And the spending just kept climbing.
Watching Sharon throw money around, Nate realized he had no way to stop it. No strategy. No leverage.
He couldn’t sit still any longer.
Before, he’d been dead set on making sure Sharon didn’t get an easy divorce. He wanted to keep her stuck and humiliated.
Now, he just wanted it over with.
Let them divorce. The sooner, the better.
At least then, she’d stop using the title “Mrs. Biggs” to swindle the world.
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