The Dinner Plan

Roslyn hated the donor dinner idea even more than she had hated the marina.

"That is growth," Elise said.

"That is evidence you keep having worse ideas."

The Hart Vale Foundation dinner had not been canceled because money disliked gaps. Greer had moved it from the burned event hall to the glass atrium of Westport Museum, where donors could pretend charity was stronger than scandal.

Elise wanted to walk in with Greta, Claire, June, Ruby, Adam, and every file they could legally hold.

Roslyn wanted subpoenas, warrants, and fewer civilians creating live-streamed chaos in evening wear.

Theo, traitor to peace, said, "Greer threatened a public narrative. Public pressure may make him act."

"Thank you," Elise said.

"I did not say it was smart."

Greta lifted her chin. "I own three black dresses and one surviving husband file. I am going."

Ruby looked at June. "I will not go if it makes you uncomfortable."

June stared at the table. "Everything makes me uncomfortable. Come anyway."

Claire covered her mouth. It was almost a laugh, almost a sob.

Roslyn pointed at all of them. "No accusations without backup. No wandering. No confronting Greer alone. No live-streaming minors."

June raised one hand. "What about adults who act like minors?"

"Tempting," Roslyn said. "Still no."

Adam came in wearing a suit that had survived better days. "I can get us in."

Elise looked at him. "How?"

"Foundation guest list. Martin kept my name on donor relations because I was charming before I became a legal exhibit."

Claire said, "You were never that charming."

"I was compared to our family."

For one breath, they sounded like siblings at a bad holiday.

Then Roslyn's phone rang. She listened and looked at Elise.

"The court restored your identity on a temporary emergency basis."

Elise sat very still.

Alive, for now, had become official.

Her bank accounts stayed frozen. Her mother stayed dead. Martin stayed dangerous.

But her name had come back.