In the present day June, Kat attends a donor event featuring a jazz quartet and an atmosphere of wealth. She immediately recognizes Meg Williams—despite the scarcity of photos—when Meg arrives, smiling and composed. Kat has been attending Ron Ashton’s campaign events for months, anticipating Meg’s return after a long silence. A Google Alert Kat set ten years earlier pinged in April when a new site appeared: Meg Williams, Real Estate Agent, indicating Meg had reemerged under her real name and did not plan to hide.

Kat reflects that she once spoke to Meg by phone a decade ago, a brief call that dramatically altered Kat’s life. She partially blames Meg for what followed. Kat hides her press credentials and remains at the perimeter, treating the moment with caution and intent. She believes this is the story that will free her—from low-paying fluff assignments and from the deeper wounds tied to Meg and that past call.

Kat watches Meg move through the room with ease, laughing and engaging donors. Kat believes Ron Ashton is central to Meg’s recent history in Los Angeles and reads Meg’s presence as a chance to settle scores. Though Kat does not yet know Meg’s inner motives, she is certain Meg would not ignore an opportunity for retribution.

When Ron approaches Meg from behind, Kat feels the weight of witnessing a pivotal moment, aware that Meg also understands what is unfolding. Kat positions herself by a window to observe without drawing attention. She notes the ease with which Meg elicits connection: introductions, witty banter, shared laughter.

Kat watches a business card exchange between Meg and Ron, interpreting it as Meg’s entry point into Ron’s world. Kat resolves to mirror that approach—using the same connection as her access. Despite anticipating objections from her fiancé, Scott, about the costs and emotional toll of pursuing this story, Kat decides to proceed, convinced this investigation is necessary for her healing and career.