He didn’t respond. Instead, he nodded to a security guard near the door. “Stay right here,” he said, taking the check and disappearing into his office. Through the glass wall, Alyssa saw him pick up the phone, speaking rapidly. Then, her heart sank — two police officers were walking toward her.
“Miss, can we talk to you?” one officer said. “We’ve had a report about a possible forged check.”
Alyssa froze. “Forged? No, it’s real! I— I can show you my employee badge!”
But no one seemed to be listening. The lobby had gone quiet. A man waiting in line whispered something to his wife. Another customer pulled out a phone, filming.
Her hands trembled as she sent a quick text: Mom, they called the police on me at the bank.
Ten endless minutes passed. Then the sound of heels clicking across the marble floor broke the silence. A tall woman in a charcoal gray suit walked straight through the doors — poised, confident, eyes burning with calm fury.
“I’m Dr. Lillian Carter,” she said, stopping in front of the officers. “President and founder of NovaPoint Creative. And that young woman you’re questioning is my daughter.”