“They’ll lock the doors, board up the windows, and put it up for a federal auction to pay off the Romanos’ back taxes.”

I stared at her, the damp cellar air suddenly feeling freezing cold against my skin.

“You could lose your family’s legacy entirely, Harper,” Denise said.

“Even if we win the criminal case against Nico, the restaurant as you know it will be gone.”

“It will be swallowed by the system, sold to the highest bidder, or demolished for high-rise condos.”

I looked over at Mrs. Bellamy, who sat quietly on her wooden crate.

She was watching me, her old eyes reflecting the dim yellow light of the basement.

She had spent her whole life keeping the memory of this place alive for my grandmother.

If I rejected Nico’s offer, the building would be lost to federal asset forfeiture.

But if I took his deal, I would have the deed in my hand tonight.

The Marigold Room would belong to me, clean and clear of any government claims.

The catch was the silence.

I would have to sign his non-disclosure agreement.