Joseph's company had always been Stephens Corp's fiercest rival. Years ago, I'd snatched several key projects right out from under him. After I stepped back from the company, his firm had become the thorn in Piers's side that he could never pull free.
The realization hit me like a bolt of lightning. This man could help me.
The water bottle crackled under my grip. I knew that once I opened my mouth, there would be no turning back.
But then I thought of my mother's death. The three babies I'd never gotten to hold. Every last humiliation I'd swallowed.
My gaze hardened. "Mr. Simmons, I want to propose a partnership."
"A partnership?" Joseph raised an eyebrow.
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.
The corner of his mouth curved. "I'll tell you when the time comes."
I drew a deep breath. I had nothing left to lose. What was there to be afraid of?
"Deal."
When I got home and pushed open the door, I was met with Piers's dark, thunderous expression.
"Where the hell have you been?" His tone was sharp. "You had a wardrobe malfunction on camera and then you just wander off? Do you have any idea how embarrassing that is?"