That’s when I remembered Gregory’s announcement at the party. He was planning a family dinner at an upscale restaurant the next month, a celebration of his merger, with his new business partners in attendance.

“What if I told you exactly where he’ll be?” I said. “On a specific night. Surrounded by all the people he’s trying to impress.”

Jerome was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “Tell me more.”

Over the next two weeks, I became the world’s most supportive sister.

I called Gregory to congratulate him on the merger. I sent Vanessa flowers with a note saying I was so happy for them. I even called my mother and suggested we all get together to celebrate Gregory’s success properly.

Mom was suspicious at first.

“Since when do you care about Gregory’s career?”

“I’ve been thinking about what you said,” I told her, nearly choking on the words, “about being more supportive, about appreciating what Gregory has accomplished. I want to try harder.”

Mom practically melted through the phone. “Oh, Susie, that’s so mature of you. Gregory will be so pleased.”

Gregory was indeed pleased. So pleased that he called me himself, which hadn’t happened in approximately three years.

“Susie, this is great,” he said. “Really great. I’m glad you’re finally coming around. This dinner is going to be important. My new partners will be there. I need the family to make a good impression.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior,” I promised.

What I didn’t mention was that Warren Beckford would also be attending. I’d called him the day after Jerome and I made our plan. Warren had been delighted to help.

“I’ve been waiting forty years to watch someone like your brother get what’s coming to him,” Warren said. “Consider me your plus-one.”

Warren also made a few strategic phone calls to his contacts at the firm Gregory was joining. He didn’t tell them everything, just enough to make them nervous. Just enough to make them ask questions. Just enough to ensure that when the truth came out, they’d be ready to run for the exits.

The restaurant Gregory chose was called Carmichael’s. White tablecloths, overpriced steaks, the kind of place where they judge you for ordering the chicken. I’d actually done some landscaping consultation for them two years ago. They have a beautiful patio garden that I designed pro bono in exchange for a lifetime discount on their wine list.

Life is about making strategic investments.

I coordinated with Jerome on the timing. The FBI would have agents in plain clothes positioned in the restaurant. They wouldn’t make a spectacle. This wasn’t a movie. They’d wait for my signal, then approach Gregory quietly and ask him to step outside.

Professional. Controlled. Devastating.

But first, I had one more piece of preparation.

I spent an entire weekend with my accountant going over my finances. My company was worth $12 million. My personal savings, investments, and property totaled another $3 million. I was, by any reasonable measure, wealthy.

I’d never felt wealthy.

I still drove my old truck, still wore work boots most days, still got dirt under my fingernails on a regular basis. Money had never been the point for me. Building something was the point. Creating something beautiful out of raw materials and hard work. That was what mattered.

But money was about to matter very much, because I was going to use mine to fix what Gregory had broken.

I set up a trust fund for my father’s care. I arranged to pay off the fraudulent lien on his house. I contacted an elder-law attorney about establishing proper guardianship to prevent anyone from exploiting him again.

When this was over, Dad would be protected. Mom would be taken care of. And Gregory would face the consequences of his choices.

The night before the dinner, my phone rang. It was Gregory. His voice was different—strained, almost desperate.

“Susie, I need to ask you something, and I need you to not ask questions.”

“What is it?”

“I need to borrow some money. Just fifty thousand. I’ll pay you back within a month. I swear.”

I kept my voice neutral despite my racing heart. “Fifty thousand? Gregory, that’s a lot of money.”

“I know. I know. But I’m in a tight spot. Some investments didn’t pan out the way I expected. It’s temporary. The merger is going to solve everything. I just need to get through the next few weeks.”

He was scared. I could hear it in his voice. The golden child was finally realizing that his house of cards was swaying in the wind.

I pretended to consider it.

“That’s really a lot, Gregory. I’m not sure I have that kind of cash just lying around.”

“Come on, Susie. I know you’ve done okay with your little business. You must have something saved up.”

Your little business.

Even now, even when he was begging me for money, he couldn’t help being condescending.

“Let me think about it,” I said. “We can talk more at dinner tomorrow.”

He thanked me profusely, which was a first. Gregory had never thanked me for anything in his life.

I hung up the phone and sat in the darkness of my living room, Biscuit purring on my lap. Tomorrow, everything would change.

Gregory thought he was getting a supportive family dinner and a $50,000 loan from his stinky sister.

What he was getting was the end of everything he’d built on lies.

I scratched Biscuit behind her ears. “You know what, cat? Payback really is a dish best served at a restaurant with a lifetime wine discount.”

Biscuit didn’t respond. She’s more of a listener than a conversationalist.

Carmichael’s was beautiful that evening. Soft lighting. Fresh flowers on every table. The gentle hum of expensive conversation filling the air. I’d put on my best dress, a simple navy-blue number that I’d bought for an industry awards ceremony two years ago. Heels that didn’t make me want to cry. Actual jewelry.

Gregory didn’t even notice.

“Susie, there you are,” he said when I walked in, already scanning the room for someone more important to talk to. “You look fine. Listen, have you thought about what we discussed?”

“We can talk later,” I said. “After dinner. Let’s not make this about money.”

He practically vibrated with frustration but forced a smile. “Right. Right. Family first.”

The private dining room was already filling up. Gregory’s new partners from the merger firm. Two polished executives named Richard and Sandra, who looked like they’d been manufactured in a laboratory for maximum corporate blandness. Vanessa glittering in a dress that probably cost more than my first year of business revenue. Mom, regal in her disapproval. Dad, looking confused but happy to be included.

And Todd, because of course Todd was there, still chasing Gregory’s coattails, still sporting that unfortunate hair transplant, still convinced he was the smartest person in any room.

He made a beeline for me immediately.

“Susie, wow. You clean up nice. I almost didn’t recognize you without the dirt.”

“Thanks, Todd. I almost didn’t recognize you with the hair.”

He touched his head self-consciously. “It’s a new treatment. Very cutting-edge.”

“It’s certainly something,” I agreed.

Warren Beckford arrived precisely on time, looking distinguished in a charcoal suit. He shook hands with Richard and Sandra, who clearly recognized his name and reputation. Their eyes went wide.

“Warren Beckford?” Richard said. “I didn’t realize you’d be here.”

Warren smiled pleasantly. “I’m an old friend of the Fowl family. Susie invited me.”

Gregory’s face went through several colors in rapid succession. He hadn’t known I knew Warren. He certainly hadn’t expected me to invite industry royalty to his dinner.

“That’s great,” Gregory managed. “The more the merrier.”

We took our seats. The wine was poured. The appetizers arrived.

Gregory stood to make his toast.

“Thank you all for being here tonight,” he began, that familiar smug smile firmly in place. “This merger represents everything I’ve worked for. A new chapter. A chance to prove that hard work and smart decisions always pay off.”

He gestured around the table.

“I’m surrounded by the people who matter most. My beautiful wife, my wonderful mother, my new partners, who I know will lead us to incredible success.”

He paused, looking at me.

“And even my sister, who’s finally learning to appreciate what real success looks like. Some of us work with our hands. Some of us work with our minds. I’ve always believed that the mind is the more valuable tool.”

Polite laughter around the table. Mom beamed. Dad looked confused. Vanessa smirked. And Todd actually winked at me like we were sharing a joke at my expense.

I smiled serenely and sipped my wine.

Gregory continued his self-congratulatory speech for another five minutes. His voice was confident, but I noticed his hands were shaking slightly. The merger partners kept exchanging glances. Warren was watching everything with the patient attention of a man who had seen this show before.