“They care about who has the influence to make things disappear.”

“And we have that influence,” she said.

“You do not.”

I let out a slow, deliberate breath, ensuring my hand remained steady inside my pocket.

“So your offer is three hundred thousand dollars, or you take my children,” I said.

“That is not an offer, darling,” Gloria said, her voice dripping with venom.

“That is how things are going to be.”

“You will sign the papers tonight, or the custody papers will be served before the gala tomorrow,” she said.

“The gala is a major event for Apex Realty,” I noted, watching Graham’s reaction.

“Apex is just a shadow corporation run by some out-of-state syndicate,” Graham sneered.

“They’ve been buying up half of downtown Dallas, but they won’t be at our table.”

“Actually, they are the main sponsor of the event this year,” I said.

“They bought out the entire grand ballroom presentation,” I added.

“It doesn’t matter who sponsors it,” Gloria interrupted.

“What matters is that the Ralston name remains untarnished.”

“We will sit at the head table, and you will behave yourself,” she said.