"What are you doing?!" Chloe shouted, walking toward the stage with her hands on her hips. "We paid you for four hours! Keep playing!"
The lead violinist looked down at her with calm, professional detachment. "Ma'am, our performance contract is held directly with Vance Hospitality Group. We just received an automated notice of immediate contract termination and deposit clawback. My musicians are legally required to vacate the stage immediately."
The eight musicians picked up their instrument cases, packed their violins and cellos, and walked off the stage in a silent, single-file line.
Murmurs erupted across the four hundred guests.
Before Chloe could react, the grand brass chandeliers overhead flickered twice and dimmed by fifty percent, leaving the room illuminated only by emergency wall sconces.
Three head waiters in black vests stepped up to the open bar, pulled down the brass security shutters, and locked the liquor cabinets.
"Hey!" Brandon yelled, running toward the bar. "What the hell is going on with the bar?!"
"Services canceled per corporate order, sir," the lead bartender replied flatly, sliding a key into his pocket and walking away.