On my first night inside the $4.8 million Malibu beach house I bought with my own money, my mother-in-law called and said, “We’re moving in tomorrow, Marcus said it’s fine, and if you don’t like it, you can find somewhere else.”

I called Victoria.

“Did you see Eleanor’s social media meltdown?”

“Everyone has. Josephine, I was already planning to announce your consulting contract during my keynote. Would you like me to be more specific about certain details?”

“Actually, I have a better idea. Can you ensure I’m seated at the head table?”

“Consider it done. And Josephine, I’ll have three board members there who can verify your contract details if needed.”

The gala’s theme, ironically, was “Integrity in Real Estate: Building Trust in Modern Markets.” Eleanor would be recognized for her gold sponsorship during the ceremony, given three minutes to speak about her contribution to the real estate community.

I pulled up the event contract. Gold sponsors were bound by a morality clause. Any criminal activity or fraud could result in immediate revocation of sponsorship and lifetime ban from association events.

“David, make sure the bank fraud investigation file is ready by October 20th. The FBI will have processed the initial report by then.”