Elena rounded the corner, her face twisted in an ugly snarl that thoroughly ruined her delicate features.

“You pathetic, delusional little housewife,” she spat, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Do you genuinely believe a few whispered rumors and a piece of underwear can do any damage to a family like mine? Gossip is a currency for the poor.”

I pivoted slowly to face her, letting my gaze drift over her with clinical detachment.

“You’re right. Gossip is fleeting and entirely deniable.”

I took a deliberate pause.

“But federal paperwork? Paperwork is forever.”