“What audit reports?” I asked.

He hesitated, his gaze shifting to the wet pavement.

“The ones Daniel set up,” he said. “They have my signature on the offshore transfers.”

“Then you are going to prison,” I said.

“Only if they can prove I knew,” he said. “But if we are together, my lawyers can argue it was a family trust issue. We can tie it up in civil court for years.”

I felt a cold chill that had nothing to do with the wind.

“You still don’t get it,” I said. “You are still trying to use me as a shield.”

“It’s the only way, Ava,” he said. “For both of us.”

“No,” I said. “For you.”

I stepped back toward the door.

“I am building something here, Elias,” I said. “And I am not going to let you drag me down into the mud with you.”

“You think your little firm will survive if I go down?” he asked, his voice suddenly sharp.

“Yes,” I said. “Because my name isn’t on those documents.”

“But your father’s is,” Elias said.