“They have been so difficult lately, throwing tantrums and refusing to come out.”

“They were locked in a freezing room without food,” Benjamin said, his voice deadly quiet.

The room went completely silent.

Several guests looked down at their glasses, suddenly uncomfortable.

“That is absurd,” Vanessa said, her voice rising slightly.

“They must have locked themselves in by accident.”

Benjamin pulled the small silver digital recorder from his pocket.

“I had Marcus install audio monitoring in the hallway last week,” Benjamin said.

He pressed the play button on the side of the device.

Vanessa’s voice filled the quiet foyer, sharp and cruel.

*Let them stay in there and freeze until they learn to behave,* her recorded voice sneered.

*If Benjamin asks, tell him they are asleep and do not want to be disturbed.*

Vanessa’s face drained of color.

She dropped her champagne glass, and it shattered on the marble floor.

“That is a fabrication,” she hissed, looking around at the staring guests.

“You hacked my voice, Benjamin.”

Just then, the heavy oak front doors groaned as they were unlocked by security.