The wall screen chimed again.

A synthesized version of Claire’s voice echoed through the ceiling speakers.

“System threat detected,” the digital voice said, calm and steady.

“Archiving footage of child endangerment to offsite secure cloud.”

“You planned this from the very beginning,” Nathan said, his eyes fixing on Vanessa.

The blue emergency lights painted the room in cold, icy shadows.

Outside, the blizzard roared, throwing heavy sheets of snow against the thick glass windows.

“Nathan, sweetheart, listen to me,” Vanessa said, her voice turning sweet and desperate.

“That was just talk.”

“We were joking after a few drinks.”

“You starved my daughters,” Nathan said.

He swiped to the next log on his phone.

It was a spreadsheet of skipped meals, locked doors, and turned-off thermostats, compiled by the house AI.

Every single action Vanessa had taken to make the girls look neglected was documented.

She wanted the courts to think Nathan was the one neglecting them.

“I am calling the police,” Nathan said, his thumb hovering over the dial pad.

Julian let out a dry, sharp laugh.

I watched Julian step toward the grand foyer windows, looking out into the dark.