Theodore Lowe was hosting some sort of networking event for rich people who didn't know why they were rich.

So, obviously, the Blackwoods were there. Because everyone knew the name, but no one could tell you what Blackwood Enterprises actually did.

People had their theories, though. Personally, Theodore almost believed it was a front for Eddie Blackwood to secretly run a money laundering ring. He was a shifty guy, after all. But, it was called polite society for a reason, so the Lowes had always been friendly with the Blackwoods.

Sometimes Theodore regretted that.

"Teddy! Great event!" Eddie approached him, clearly having had a few drinks. Theodore whispered an apology to his wife and daughter before turning around to greet Eddie. "You know that bar's not free, right?" Eddie laughed a bit louder than he was supposed to. Theodore tried to form a mental escape plan. "Men like us, we don't have to worry about money." Theodore laughed uncomfortably. He didn't want to be in the same category as Eddie Blackwood.

"Eddie, have you met my wife?" Theodore knew they'd met many times, but he could see Clarissa moving towards them, and Claire and Clarissa would take any opportunity to spend more time together. A little blonde girl was holding onto Clarissa's finger like it was a lifeline. Apparently, Eddie did actually forget, and he stuck out his hand for her to shake. "Eddie Blackwood." Claire shook his hand with a polite smile. "Claire Lowe."

Clarissa stepped forward to save Claire. "Claire? I haven't seen you in ages!" The two women hugged, laughing. "How are you? How's pregnancy?" The women made small talk as if they hadn't phoned each other the day before. "I'm good, but very tired. This one's been keeping me up." She lightheartedly shook Cecilia's arm, who looked up. "Your daughter is adorable." Clarissa looked down at her daughter, who was smiling at Cecilia. "This is little Roxanne. She's the same age as your Cecilia." Cecilia looked up at her mother. Claire crouched down to whisper to the two-year-old. "Go say hi to Roxanne. I think you two will be great friends." She looked at Clarissa, whose smile had slightly faded.

As Cecilia confidently introduced herself to Roxie, they saw their future flash before their eyes. If the legacy of their families lay in the hands of Roxie and Cecilia, they were okay with that.