CHAPTER FIFTY EIGHT – PREPARATIONS FOR THE GALA

An idea began to take shape, gradually solidifying with each passing second until she felt a jolt of certainty. "A gala." The two simple syllables fell into the tense hush of the room with a weight that drew every eye her way. Scarlett straightened in her chair, feeling the first faint flutterings of excitement stir to life. "We host a big, splashy gala event right here in Miami," she elaborated, encouraged by the lack of immediate dismissal or eye-rolls. "Make it black-tie, red carpet, the whole nine yards. A true high society charity ball that gets people gossiping for weeks." As she spoke, detailing grandiose visions of custom cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, orchestral music and flowing champagne, Scarlett could see the idea catching like wildfire. Even Sam was nodding thoughtfully, seeming to warm to the ambitious scope. "That...could actually work," Henry mused, the first spark of optimism entering his expression in what felt like ages. "And we could partner with a prominent lo