But at least I’ll know I tried. A tear slid down Aurora’s cheek. Ethan wiped it away with his thumb. “You’re an idiot,” she whispered. “Probably.” “I should tell you to leave, to walk away before this gets worse.” “You should. But I won’t.” “Good.” Aurora kissed him then, desperate and scared and grateful all at once.

Ethan kissed her back, his hands tangling in her hair. And for a few seconds, the world outside his kitchen stopped mattering. When they broke apart, Aurora pressed her forehead against his. If this goes wrong, it won’t. You don’t know that. No, but I’m choosing to believe it anyway. Aurora laughed shakily. That’s not very pragmatic.

I’m not very pragmatic, I noticed. They stood there holding each other until Titan started whining because he needed to pee. Aurora left a few minutes later and Ethan spent the rest of the afternoon trying to explain to Kloe why there was lipstick on his collar without actually explaining anything. His daughter was eight, not stupid.

“You kissed her,” Khloe said, grinning like she’d just won the lottery. “It’s complicated.” “You always say that.” “Because it always is.” Kloe rolled her eyes. “Do you love her?” Ethan nearly choked on his coffee. What do you love her? Chloe, I’ve known her for 6 weeks. So, so that’s not enough time to love someone. Mom said she loved you after 2 weeks.

And look how that turned out. Khloe’s expression softened. Aurora is not mom. I know. Then why are you scared? Ethan stared at his daughter, wondering when she’d become the wise one in their relationship. Because love means trust, he said quietly. And I don’t trust easily anymore. Do you trust Aurora? Ethan thought about it.

About the way Aurora let him into her house at 2:00 in the morning. About how she cried in front of him without pretending she was fine. About how she looked at Kloe like she genuinely cared, not like she was performing kindness for an audience. Yeah, he said finally. I think I do. Khloe smiled. Then stop being scared. It’s not that simple. Yes, it is.

You’re just making it complicated because you’re a grown-up, and grown-ups are weird. Ethan laughed despite himself. You’re probably right. I’m always right. She went back to her homework, humming to herself like she hadn’t just completely dismantled her father’s emotional defenses. Ethan sat at the kitchen table, staring at nothing, and wondered when his life had become something he didn’t recognize.

Three days later, Diane called back. You were right, she said without preamble. The signatures are forged. All of them. Ethan’s heart jumped into his throat. You’re sure? I had a forensic analyst look at the scans you sent. The pressure points don’t match. The pen strokes are inconsistent, and the dates don’t line up with Sinclair’s travel schedule.

She was in Tokyo when one of these was supposedly signed in New York. Can you prove it in court? With the right documentation, yes, but we need the original contracts. Digital scans won’t hold up under cross-examination. How do we get the originals? Legally, we file for discovery and hope Cross’s lawyers cooperate.

And illegally? Diane laughed. I didn’t hear that. Diane, Ethan, I’m a lawyer. I can’t tell you to break the law. But if someone hypothetically wanted to retrieve documents from an office building in Manhattan, hypothetically, that person would need access to the building, knowledge of where the documents are stored, and a very good reason to risk felony charges. Diane paused.

Hypothetically, Ethan’s mind raced. What if someone who worked there gave us access? Do you know someone who works there? No, but Aurora might. then ask her because if we don’t get those originals, this whole case collapses. Ethan thanked her and hung up. He found Aurora in her backyard sitting on the porch steps with Titan’s head in her lap.

She looked up when he approached, her expression wary. Diane called, he said. Aurora straightened. And she confirmed the forgeries, but we need the original documents to prove it in court. They’re in Damian’s office. I know. Do you know anyone who still works there? Someone who might help us. Aurora was quiet for a long time.

Maybe, she said finally. There’s a woman named Jessa. She was my assistant before I left. We were close. Would she help? I don’t know. Damen fired half the staff after I walked out. She might not even work there anymore. Can you find out? Aurora nodded slowly. I’ll try. That night, while Khloe slept, Aurora made the call.

Ethan sat across from her in the kitchen, watching her face shift through a dozen emotions as the phone rang. When someone finally answered, Aurora’s voice went soft. Jessa, it’s Aurora. Ethan couldn’t hear the other side of the conversation, but he could see Aurora’s shoulders relaxed slightly. I know. I’m sorry I disappeared. A pause. I need to ask you something.

Are you still at Cross Legal? Another pause, longer this time. I need access to Damian’s office. There are documents there that prove he forged my signatures on contracts. Aurora’s voice hardened. I know how it sounds, but I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. Silence. Then Aurora’s eyes filled with tears. Thank you, she whispered.

I’ll explain everything later. I promise. She hung up and looked at Ethan. She’s still there. She said she can get me in on Saturday when the building’s empty. You’re not going alone. Oh, Ethan, I’m going with you. If we get caught, then we get caught together. Aurora stared at him. You really are an idiot.

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