Ethan sprinted down the grand double staircase, his tuxedo jacket flapping behind him as he bypassed the crowd of wealthy guests.
Guest 1: Ethan! There you are! We were just waiting for your opening speech!
Guest 2: Is everything alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.
Ethan Sterling: Where is Elena?! Has anyone seen the maid?!
The chatter in the ballroom died down, guests whispering among themselves at Ethan's manic, disheveled state.
At the center of the main foyer stood Ethan’s younger brother, Richard Sterling, holding a glass of champagne with a smooth, arrogant smirk.
Richard: Ethan, what’s the rush? You look completely unhinged in front of the board members.
Ethan marched straight up to Richard, gripping his brother by the silk lapels of his jacket.
Ethan Sterling: Did you lock Leo in the maintenance hatch upstairs?!
The crowd gasped, several board members stepping closer to the scene.
Richard: What are you talking about? I haven't been upstairs all evening!
Ethan Sterling: Don't lie to me, Richard! Leo told me everything! You put him behind the painting!
Richard: The boy is seven, Ethan! He makes up stories! I was down here talking to the legal advisors about the family trust!
Elena: He isn't lying.
The clear, steady voice echoed from the kitchen entry doors.
Elena stepped into the grand foyer, holding her smartphone high in her hand.
Her cheek was dark purple, swollen, and smeared with dry blood, but her eyes were cold, fierce, and unwavering.
Ethan Sterling: Elena... Oh God, Elena, I am so sorry—
Elena: Save your apology, Mr. Sterling. Listen to this recording first.
Elena pressed play on her phone's screen.
A crystal-clear audio recording began playing through the high-grade ballroom speakers, connected via the estate's smart audio network.
Richard's Recorded Voice: "Stay in the wall, kid. If your dad is busy looking for you, he won't sign the trust transfer papers before midnight."
Leo's Recorded Voice: "Uncle Richard, it's hot! I want to get out!"
Richard's Recorded Voice: "Shut up and stay quiet if you want to win the game!"
The ballroom went deathly silent. The mayor, the board members, and forty high-society guests stared at Richard in utter disgust.
Richard: That... that audio is fake! She edited that with AI!
Elena: My phone dropped under the sideboard when your brother slapped me, Mr. Sterling. It was recording the whole time I was trying to pull your son out.
Richard turned pale, taking a step back toward the front door, but two heavy security guards blocked his exit immediately.
Board Member: Richard Sterling... you locked a child in an airtight space to steal the family vote?
Ethan Sterling: You tried to suffocate my son for money?
Ethan let out a roar of rage, swinging his fist directly into Richard’s jaw, sending his brother crashing onto the marble floor.
Ethan Sterling: Get him out of my house! Call the police and hand over that recording!