“We are also prepared to file a formal complaint with the district attorney’s office for attempted grand larceny,” Arthur added.

Linda leaned forward, her eyes wide.

“You wouldn’t do that, Sophia,” she said, her voice shaking. “We are family.”

“You are not my family,” I said.

My voice was quiet, but it filled the room.

“You tried to steal the money my mother worked thirty years to earn,” I said. “You tried to take it while she was dying.”

Ethan finally looked up at me.

“Sophia, please,” he said. “Ryan owes money to people who are dangerous. They are going to take his house. They are going to take everything.”

“That is not my problem,” I said.

“We have nothing left,” Ethan said. “The business is gone. My credit is ruined. If we don’t get this, we lose the house.”

“You should have thought of that before you forged my mother’s name,” I said.

Mr. Gross leaned over to Linda and whispered something in her ear.

Linda’s face seemed to collapse, the sharp lines of her cheeks sagging.

“What do you want?” Mr. Gross asked Arthur.