This year, even with her place in this crowd relatively secure, she had to deal with a steady buzz of awkwardness. No one knew what to say to the former spouse of a man who’d allegedly committed suicide. The lack of chitchat worked for Gabby. She didn’t want to share her sadness and confusion with anyone in this room.

She attended because she couldn’t miss the opportunity to stalk Loretta and her husband. She’d done some investigating, and they were the two who started this charity. The Foundation was their baby. If Rob was right about the vigilante side work the Foundation did, then the Swains were behind the attempts to upend Liam’s life. Gabby wanted to show them she was right there, standing in the way and ready to fight.

Jessa Hall stopped circling around her and walked over, wearing a black sheath that managed to look both simple and extraordinary at the same time. It showed off her long, lean frame, and the halter top with the slim bow around her neck added a certain charm.

Jessa handed Gabby a glass of champagne and cradled one of her own. “Congratulations on being the hot topic of whispered conversation.”

Gabby scanned the crowd and saw more than one pair of eyes quickly avert her gaze. “That’s more your move than mine.”

They stood, looking out over the country-club ballroom and the small groups of people hovering around each auction item. Gabby depended on the swell of music and the mumble of conversation to drown out their words. The fake smiles they both wore would perform most of the heavy lifting in convincing the room they got along without sniping at each other.

“Not many women would think attending a big, flashy party a few weeks after their husband died was a good idea.” Jessa gave Gabby’s dress a quick up-and-down. “Did you win that in the divorce? Pretty.”

Gabby ignored the instinct to glance down at her lacy navy cocktail dress. “Former husband. And even your firm thought I should be allowed to keep my clothes.”

“An oversight, clearly. But I’m confused how showing up here is a good idea.” Jessa took a quick sip. “Unless you like the attention.”

“Remind me, are you a big hero or a dangerous, incompetent wreck this week? The press can’t seem to pick a side. A debate among people who clearly don’t know you.”

Jessa smiled and gave a little wave to someone across the room. “You’re not a lawyer, so you don’t—”

“I actually am.” Gabby turned to face Jessa then, thinking a confrontation, small as this was, might make her shut up.

“Right. You live off your dead ex’s money and don’t work, so—”

“You seem obsessed with my ex-husband. Should we talk about that?”

Jessa didn’t say anything for a few seconds. “Why are you here?”