Mara went still.
"You remember those?"
"Yes."
She swallowed.
For years, she had assumed he dismissed her work.
He continued.
"I want the trustees to review them alongside the financial information. Independently."
Mara looked toward the ceiling.
Her eyes filled.
"Daniel, those plans are old."
"I know."
"The numbers need updating."
"Then we update them."
She was silent.
He added carefully, "I'm not asking you to rescue me."
Mara almost laughed.
"No?"
"No."
He took a breath.
"I'm asking whether you're willing to contribute professional information that could help the people who use Bennett House."
Mara looked toward the window.
That was different.
It was not a husband asking his wife to make another sacrifice for family harmony.
It was a request about work she cared deeply about.
She nodded slowly.
"I'll have my office prepare an updated scope. Any paid engagement needs appropriate conflict review and a written agreement."
Daniel sounded relieved.
"Of course."
"And Daniel?"
"Yes?"
"This doesn't change what happened between us."
His voice softened.
"I know."
Mara closed her eyes.
For a moment, she remembered the night she packed her suitcase.
The rain.
His silence.
She took a breath.
"All right."
They ended the call.
Mara sat motionless for several seconds.
Then opened an old project folder.
BENNETT HOUSE — COMMUNITY PRESERVATION STUDY.
It had been nearly three years since she last touched it.
The drawings were still there.
So were the notes.
The photographs.
The transportation analysis.
And the careful calculations Evelyn had dismissed as unnecessary.
Mara looked at the first page.
Then smiled sadly.
Some things could wait.
But they did not always disappear.
Evelyn hired her own attorney.
Within days, she stopped taking Daniel's calls.
Her representatives communicated with Marcus concerning records, access, and the financial investigation.
Evelyn's public statement was brief.
She expressed regret for the distress caused at the family celebration and requested privacy.
She did not admit paying Claire.
She did not explain the restructuring.