“She is the proof of who you really are.”

“A man who uses people until they are no longer convenient.”

Julian took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure.

He adjusted his overcoat and smoothed down the front.

“We can settle this, Elena,” he said, his voice softening into a persuasive purr.

“We don’t need the lawyers.”

“We don’t need some stranger taking pictures of us in a park.”

“Think about Harrison.”

“He needs his father.”

“He needs a father who respects his mother,” I said.

“He needs a father who doesn’t use his inheritance as a weapon.”

“I’m not using anything as a weapon,” Julian said.

“I just want my family back.”

“You don’t want a family,” I said. “You want control.”

“And you’ve lost it.”

He looked at the digital recorder in my hand, then at the SUV in the distance.

The rain finally started to fall, small, cold drops that stung my cheeks.

“This is your last chance, Elena,” he said.

“If you walk away now, I will make sure you get nothing.”