Chapter 23
822 Words
Sophia nodded awkwardly. After all, her bank card did indeed have very lousy money left in it.
Donnie exclaimed in shock, "Ma'am, you... you wait right here!"
Without waiting for Sophia's reaction, Donnie rushed to the manager's office. "Manager! Manager! Something's wrong!"
The manager, busy with work, looked up, irritated as Donnie burst in. "Donnie, don't you know to knock? What's with the rush?"
Donnie swallowed hard, ignoring the manager's reprimand, and shakily handed over the black card. "A customer just now... she said she wanted to withdraw all the money from this card!"
The manager, initially unconcerned, took the black card and his eyes nearly popped out of his head. He examined the black card several times, confirming it was indeed a World Bank-issued supreme card with a minimum balance of 500 million.
Instantly, countless thoughts raced through the manager's mind. 'This card is custom-made by the World Bank president for top VIPs. Not only in Greenhill City, but even nationwide, there are only a handful of people who can hold such a card!'
The manager quickly composed himself and asked, "What did the cardholder look like?"
Donnie replied, "She's a very beautiful woman, but she's dressed plainly, without any jewelry. She doesn't look like a wealthy person. And the thing is, someone with such a card wouldn't come to the bank in person and wait in line to withdraw cash. She didn't even know this supreme card doesn't require queuing and waited obediently for a long time."
The manager's interest was piqued. "Are you saying...?"
Donnie continued, "Manager, I suspect she either picked this card or..." He didn't say "stole" outright, but his expression made it clear.
The manager nodded, growing more suspicious. He immediately slammed the table. "Daring to steal such a card, she must be getting seriously bold! Donnie, notify security right away to detain her!"
Meanwhile, Sophia, who had been waiting at the counter for a long time, began to feel something was amiss. 'Why is it taking so long? Does the bank not have enough small change?'
As she pondered, two burly figures appeared beside her. Looking up, she saw two security guards glaring at her. "You, get up! Come with us!"
Sophia was puzzled. "What for? Why should I go with you?"
The guards flanked Sophia like she was a criminal. Even though Sophia was naive, she sensed something was wrong.
One guard grabbed her arm. "Stop talking! Obey our orders immediately!" Without further explanation, the guards roughly escorted her away.
The bank was busy, and many people watched the sudden scene, pointing and whispering. Sophia's face turned pale with humiliation. 'I haven't done anything wrong. Why am I being treated like this?'
But no matter how much she resisted, Sophia, a single woman, couldn't overpower two strong men. They dragged her to the manager's office and shoved her into a chair. "Sit there and behave!"
Sophia was furious. "What do you want?"
The manager sneered, "What do we want? Ms, that's what I should be asking you!"
He waved the black card. "Tell me, where did you steal this from?"
Steal?!
Sophia's face turned red with anger. She never imagined she would be accused of theft. This was a severe insult to her character!
She protested, "You're accusing me wrongly!"
Pointing at the black card, she explained earnestly, "That card is my husband's savings from teaching someone. I just accidentally picked up the wrong card to withdraw money!" Sophia's own bank card was also black, and she had grabbed the wrong one.
The manager sneered, "Go on, keep acting! A mere teacher earning that much money? Even if he worked from birth, could he earn 500 million?"
Sophia was stunned. "What? 500 million?!"
Seeing her shocked expression, the manager thought he had caught her lie and proudly said, "That's right! This card is a World Bank supreme card, with a minimum balance of 500 million! Look at you, does it seem like you can have that much money?"
The manager concluded, "So, this card must be stolen!"
Seeing Sophia still in shock, the manager felt more certain of his suspicion, feeling triumphant. 'Good thing Donnie was alert and caught this thief. Once I contact the owner of this card, my career will surely advance!'
The manager's smile grew more smug. "You're so young, yet you do something so disgraceful. How shameless! If you need money, given your looks, you could earn money as a prostitute. Why resort to stealing?"
His words drove Sophia into a rage. "What nonsense are you spouting?! You bastards! Let me go!"
Sophia struggled, and the manager slapped her hard. "Behave yourself!" The red handprint on her face was clear.
Sophia was stunned! The slap hurt not only her face but also her pride, which she valued so dearly, at that time trampled upon!
The manager ordered coldly, "Tie this thief up! Don't let her leave before the police arrive!"
- Writer
