I summoned every ounce of courage I had left, burning my bridges behind me. "I have intimate knowledge of Stephens Corp's lifelines and criminal evidence against Piers Stephens. I can help you dismantle his empire."

"In return, you help me leave him with nothing."

"Why me?" he asked.

I knew the answer all too well. Evidence meant nothing against power.

Piers's roots ran deep, and I had no one behind me. Not a single soul. Not even my own family would lift a finger.

When Julie ran over my mother and left her in a vegetative state, I'd taken her to court. My father, using his authority as her husband, had signed a victim's pardon letter on my mother's behalf and gotten Julie off scot-free. Even at my mother's funeral, he'd stood there defending Julie, scolding me in front of everyone for refusing to let the past go.

The only person I could think of who had both the means and the motive to go toe-to-toe with Piers was Joseph Simmons.

A bitter smile twisted my lips. "You're the only chance I have."

Joseph didn't press further. His gaze locked onto mine, sharp as a hawk's. "I'll help you. But in exchange, you do one thing for me. No questions asked."

"What is it?" I asked, guard instantly up.