“Mr. Falco, did you use organized-crime connections to destroy Hayes Equity?”

“Are the two of you engaged?”

Roman looked ready to keep walking, but Harper stopped at the microphones. “The evidence against Mr. Hayes was obtained lawfully and provided to federal investigators,” she said.

“The East Harbor properties will be transferred through a court-supervised process. No private threats or violence were involved.”

A reporter shouted, “Did Roman Falco save you from Connor Hayes?”

Harper smiled slightly. “No.” The cameras flashed faster. “I was never waiting to be saved. Mr. Falco recognized my ability at a moment when others were focused on my humiliation.