Kalista noticed Thatcher’s first question at the hospital.

The company offered to release certain contested redevelopment rights and increase relocation assistance.

In exchange, it wanted broad releases from financial claims relating to Project Lighthouse.

Marcus rejected that condition immediately.

"The historic fund recovery claims belong to the appropriate parties and administrators," he explained. "Neither Kalista nor the Harbor Row residents can simply sign them away."

Celeste was furious.

Her representatives accused the residents of negotiating in bad faith.

Tessa responded with a written proposal separating three issues: property rights, resident protections, and financial accountability.

It was a distinction Celeste had repeatedly tried to blur.

A week later, an anonymous complaint alleged that Kalista had improperly used her company resources to influence the city.

The allegation triggered a compliance review.

Kalista provided the relevant records and stepped away from any decisions requiring independent evaluation.

The review disrupted her work.

It was embarrassing.

And for several days, the press treated the accusation as proof that her earlier marriage scandal had revealed her true character.

Elias called that evening.

"How are you?"

"Angry."

"Understandable."

"And tired."

"Also understandable."

Kalista closed her eyes.

"Sometimes I wonder whether I've made everything worse."

Elias was quiet for a moment.

Then he said, "Rebecca's son is sleeping somewhere safe tonight. Margaret got to choose whether she wanted to stay. The residents have lawyers and building engineers they didn't have before."

"That doesn't mean we'll win."

"No."

He paused.

"But none of those things are nothing."

Kalista leaned against her desk.

"I don't know how to be someone who can't guarantee the outcome."

"You don't have to guarantee it."

"Then what do I have to do?"

"Keep telling the truth."

Kalista smiled faintly.