“My father made them believe it,” he corrected.

He walked closer, stopping just a few feet away from the crate.

The scent of his expensive cologne mixed with the smell of wet earth and coal dust.

“My father was a blunt instrument,” Nico said, looking down at the deed.

“He saw a prime piece of real estate in the heart of the city, and he wanted it.”

“So he took it,” I whispered.

“He broke Margaret Bell,” Nico said.

“And he framed Lila Wren so thoroughly that even her own lawyers told her to run.”

Denise stiffened beside me, her hand clenching into a fist.

“That is fraud, conspiracy, and grand larceny,” Denise said, her professional tone returning despite the gun.

Nico did not look at her.

He kept his eyes on me.

“It was highly effective,” Nico said.

“By the time I took over the family operations, the Marigold Room was our crown jewel.”

“You knew,” I said, the realization settling heavily in my chest.

“You knew my mother was innocent all along.”

Nico shrugged his shoulders slightly.