Gloria’s mouth hung open, her chest rising and falling quickly.

“You can’t do this,” she hissed, her eyes darting to the mayor, who was watching us. “We are family. Think of your husband’s reputation. Think of the Ralston name.”

“The Ralston name is built on fraud, Gloria,” I said. “And I have already spent ten years thinking about it.”

“We will be ruined,” Graham whispered, his eyes pleading. “The girls will have nothing. Please, Jocelyn. Just give me a loan to cover the interest. A few million. I can fix this.”

“The girls will have everything,” I replied. “But you won’t.”

“You malicious little girl,” Gloria snarled, her voice rising slightly.

A few people at the neighboring tables turned to look at the commotion.

The mayor glanced over, his brow furrowed in disapproval.

“Is everything alright here, Ms. Vance?” the mayor asked, his tone polite but sharp.

“Everything is fine, Mr. Mayor,” I said, looking directly at Gloria. “Just some old acquaintances realizing they’ve overstayed their welcome.”

Graham grabbed Gloria’s arm, trying to pull her back down the steps.