“And a non-disclosure agreement.”

I looked at the envelope, then back at her cold, perfect face.

“You take the money,” she continued. “You pack your bags, and you leave Philadelphia.”

“My mother’s name is not for sale,” I said.

“I want the truth on the public record.”

Seraphina laughed, a dry, rustling sound that made the hair on my arms stand up.

“The truth is what we decide it is, Harper,” she said.

“We own the records, we own the building, and we own the reputation of this city.”

She leaned against the leather booth, her eyes narrowing.

“Do you really think your little crusade only affects you?” she asked.

I kept my hands flat against my sides, my fingers brushing the fabric of my waitress apron.

“Elise has a daughter, doesn’t she?” Seraphina asked, her voice dropping to a casual whisper.

“A lovely little girl. And Elise is fighting so hard for custody.”

My stomach turned over.

“And then there is Mr. Alvarez,” Seraphina continued, smoothing the lapel of her coat.

“He works so hard, but his paperwork is so very fragile.”