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Some time had passed since the last social gathering had happened, there had been time to look into some other circles and find her way into more and more events. Tonight was one of those events she was less than excited to attend but she knew that the judge Alexandre was looking for would be in attendance for this. It was a fundraiser event meant to strengthen the infrastructure of the fire department and first responders. After the most recent fire outbreak at a bank, which Melody had only heard a bit about from her brother and Alexandre in the past few days, the city was trying to find ways to prevent things like this from getting out of control.

If the fire had spread to other buildings it would have caused serious damage to the power lines and would have potentially shut down much of the surrounding area. In truth she could get behind the front facing goals put forth here but she knew that most of the funds would probably line the pockets of the politicians. Arriving perfectly on time, she made herself known to her usual social groups and chatted about the goings on in the city. All while keeping an eye out for Alexandre and his judge. There was plenty of information she was gathering about the fire and how there were a bunch of costumed people that were showing up on tiktok. That was something she would look into later, as much as she hated tiktok and its trends.

After making her rounds, she spotted both Alexandre and the judge. It wasn’t hard to casually make her way past the judge and his wife to exchange the usual pleasantries that fit for this type of event. Showing her support for the event and how it was so shocking that something like this had happened. It wasn’t hard to get the wife talking and she could tell that at least part of what had been said was truthful. After a bit more idle chatter she smiled and bid the pair a good evening before circling the room once more.

She took her time listening to the chatter and picking up on conversations before making her way over to Alexandre. This was her element, after all, blending in and gathering info and other useful things from high society. Once she finally sat down next to Alexandre she smiled again. “Pleasant evening isn’t it, a shame that such a horrible event happens in our city. I’m glad that the fire hadn’t spread, who knows what other damage may have happened.” She was playing it up in a way, although her eyes relayed an understanding and knowledge of at least some of the events that had transpired.

“That would be good, perhaps they will be able to put some more safety measures and response infrastructure in place. It must have been a terrible hit to those who banked there, I do hope they are able to provide some sort of compensation to the ones that were affected.” It was a lot of blowing smoke but it matched the tone and whisperings of the other groups of people sitting nearby. It was good to blend in, especially when trying to listen for topics that differed from the overall voice of the group. She smiled as she slowly followed the judge’s movements with her eyes as they spoke.

“It would be nice if the land was turned into something for the community maybe a garden? It would be a good opportunity for those who are skilled gardeners or landscapers. If there is a park or stage area there it could also be a nice place for little concerts or local events, don’t you agree?” She had been working a bit on finding some possible ideas for that space that could then be used for keeping tabs on things. Setting up a gardening or landscaping company had been an idea of hers for a while, something to try and build up as a side business where she could maybe employ some of the agents or senshi she worked with if they didn’t otherwise have a job. It would be a good use of the extra funds she had on the side she had saved up from managing the family business.

Bringing her voice down to the softest of hushed tones she leaned in a bit to brush something off of Alexandre’s shoulder. “He’s here with his wife, I can tell something is on his mind that isn’t her or this event. He’s been looking at some of the other sociallites around here though I haven’t seen any return his glances yet.” Leaning back she smiled and took a sip of her drink, always keeping at least some awareness of the target.

“It would be a nice business venture, I’m certain would could find some workers with the proper skills and manner to maintain such a thing.” She picked up on the ideas he was having since she had known a bit about the project he had been working on. She hadn’t seen it personally but she had spied on some of the notes her brother had written down when she snuck a peak at the notebook that was left in his coat pocket at the house.

There was the crackle of a mic being tested, letting them both know the official speaker and sponsor of the event was about to begin their monologue. “Oh, this should be interesting, look at who’s going up there.” It was a small group of public officials and then a few people from the fire department. Standing near them was the judge’s wife, with a hint of poison in her expression as her husband was no longer beside her. He must’ve made a move when he split off towards the restrooms, she wondered where that would lead later.

Taking his hand and smiling the same manufactured smile that was expected at an event like this, she followed him out. Every motion was something she had perfected over the years to keep under the radar at events. “Fresh air would be nice indeed, lead the way Alexandre.”

They slipped through without notice just as he said and the cool night air felt refreshing compared to the stagnant air back inside. Dropping a bit of the facade, she smiled naturally now. “This is a very exciting evening isn’t it?” She had brought her own drink along as well and now took another sip of it.

“I wonder that as well. If he was supposed to make the speech and dumped it onto her that could be why she’s pissed. That’s a sentiment I very much have experience with.” It was a bit of a stab at her brother, something she was probably always going to be bitter about. Leaning against the railing, she went over the people she had seen there and what they had been saying.

“If it is cheating, there are plenty of fish there looking to get a chance at someone with as much influence as he has. Part of me wonders if maybe the reason things are going the way with the firm is that something soured between him and someone who currently works there or used to work there. I also think she has suspicions but maybe sticking with him is the only option depending on how things fall into place. If I were him I would have a prenup so maybe she wouldn’t be able to continue living the life she’s gotten used to if it all ended.”

It was interesting indeed either way and gave some possible reasons for what was going on in the background. “I wonder if she’s the only one who knows or if it’s just an accepted fact by the community. Either way, it would probably be good to find out a bit if we can.”

Nodding for a moment as she thought of the options. “I know of a few lawyers, the ones that my mother used to file the divorce and the one that my brother had to deal with for the terms of the will and testament that left him the estate. They may know some information but it all depends.” Tapping her cheek for a moment as she remembered the office where she listened to her parents fighting tooth and nail over the money they had left after Aloysius was given everything. Looking back, he hadn’t wanted it to begin with if it could bring the dead back and she could tell even if she didn’t want to accept it.

“I think that yes, we need to divide and look into things. If we can find anything I could maybe see about weaving my way into the wife’s circle over a similar charitable goal or maybe an action group against the terrible actions happening in our poor city.” She smiled knowingly, she had seen the collateral damage this war left in small ways even if she hadn’t seen the bank event in person. She knew that her brother had been there due to the smell of ash that stuck to his coat before he had the thing drycleaned. “If we find out something and offer her that escape rope, the whole house of cards might fall around him. That would be fun indeed.”