Unfortunately they are within their rights to take back your property (being the laptops) I'm sure it will say something about defaulting your payments in the contract?

But she shouldn't have yelled at you - thats not professional at all.

I'm sorry you are having money troubles, but I'm sorry to tell you that they are within their rights to have their property back. Its the same as if you have a mortgage on a property yeah? And default on the payments - the bank don't give two hoots as to why you can't pay them, they will take your house from underneath you.