“I found the duplicate records in my father’s private safe after he died.”

“I saw the original partnership agreement.”

“I saw the forged transfer documents he used to claim the deed.”

“And you did nothing,” I said, anger rising hot through my fear.

“You let her name stay ruined.”

“You let her die in poverty, hiding from a crime she never committed.”

Nico looked at me, his expression perfectly blank.

“Why would I undo my father’s hard work?” he asked.

“The Marigold Room generates millions of dollars in clean revenue every year.”

“It is the perfect front, and a highly profitable legacy.”

“Correcting the record would have cost me the building, the land, and my family’s reputation.”

“In my position, Harper, you don’t give away empires out of guilt.”

He stepped closer, the barrel of the gun reflecting the faint light from the floor.

“I kept the secret because it was smart business.”

“And because dead women don’t file lawsuits.”

“But I’m not dead,” I said, holding his gaze.

“And I have the deed.”

Nico looked at the paper on the crate, then back at me.