“My lawyers can prove it with this evidence.”

“But only if you don’t pursue the civil damages that would bankrupt me first.”

I stared at her for a long moment.

The waitress walked by, her rubber-soled shoes squeaking on the tile.

She poured more coffee into Bianca’s mug without asking, then looked at me.

“Just water,” I said.

The waitress nodded and walked away.

“If I agree to this,” I said, turning back to Bianca, “you will have to testify.”

“Not just to my lawyers, but to the board.”

“And to the authorities when they finally step in.”

Bianca swallowed hard, her throat moving.

“I will,” she said.

“I’ll sign whatever affidavit your lawyers draft.”

“Just promise me you’ll leave me out of the public ruin.”

“I make no promises about the public, Bianca,” I said.

“But my lawyers will drop you from the civil suit once the flash drive is verified.”

She let out a long, shaky breath.

“It’s all there,” she said.

“Every single dollar.”

I picked up the envelope and slid it into my leather briefcase.

I stood up from the booth.