“Not at all, Arthur,” Bennett said. “Evelyn was just leaving. She has a lot of packing to do.”

“Actually, I was just telling Arthur about the new audit,” I said.

I saw Celeste’s eyes widen.

“What audit?” she asked.

“The forensic accounting of the offshore holdings,” I said, looking directly at her. “The ones tied to the new Monarch development in Miami.”

Bennett’s hand tightened on his glass so hard I thought the crystal might shatter.

“There is no audit,” he said.

“There is,” Julian said, stepping forward from my side. “The petition was filed this afternoon, along with a temporary restraining order on asset transfers.”

“You have no grounds,” Bennett said, his voice shaking.

“The court seemed to think we did,” Julian replied.

I turned back to Arthur Vance.

“I hope we can count on your support when the truth comes to light, Arthur,” I said.

Arthur looked from me to Bennett.

Then he looked at Celeste, who had suddenly gone very pale under her heavy makeup.

“You always had your mother’s dignity, Evelyn,” Arthur said. “You have my support. Always.”

Charles Sterling nodded in agreement.