“The truth is already out, and we are not leaving.”

Denise reached back into her leather briefcase, her fingers sliding over a thick, blue-backed document.

She pulled it out and held it flat against her palm, ready to strike.

Nico’s eyes darted to the legal seal on the cover of the papers, his brow furrowing as he realized what was printed there.

“That is an emergency injunction,” Denise said, her voice carrying clearly across the quiet dining room.

She placed the document on the white tablecloth, right next to Nico’s untouched glass of Cabernet.

“It freezes all assets associated with The Marigold Room, effective immediately.”

Nico did not reach for the paper.

His fingers remained curled near his dinner knife, his knuckles pale under the warm glow of the brass chandeliers.

“This is a restaurant, Ms. Vale,” Nico said, keeping his tone conversational and low.

“We have two hundred guests booked for dinner tonight, and our kitchen is currently operating.”

“Not anymore,” Denise replied.

“The court has already appointed a receiver to oversee the transition of the property.”