I met his eyes directly. “I understand exactly what this is, Landen.”

Emilia opened the blue folder and pulled out a document. “Mr. Bradley, last night you represented to Elisa that her financial transfer would satisfy a $2.4 million obligation owed by Bradley Commerce Creative to Dominion Alliance Finance.

Is that correct?”

Landen’s jaw tightened, and he shifted his weight. “Business debt changes hands all the time. That’s a standard transaction.”

“That’s very true,” Emilia said. “Which is why we acquired your debt three weeks ago.”

No one in the room moved. The silence was absolute. Even Naomi stopped adjusting the sleeve of my robe.