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But for this? For Colton? For the chance to prove that arrogant lawyer wrong?

I’d make an exception.

My phone sat propped against my laptop screen as I clicked through name after name, researching every person on the extensive list Ethan had given me.

He wasn’t exaggerating, it was long. Mostly ex-flings, people with bruised egos who might have wanted to see Colton knocked down a peg. Sure, some had reason to dislike him, but this? This was beyond a grudge.

There had been a few names that jumped out at me. They aligned perfectly with the cryptic comments Colton had made in passing. Mentions of people not having his best interests at heart. I had a gut feeling something wasn’t right. And now, staring at my screen, I saw the connection.

The person on my screen was someone who had ties to the very start of Stone Ranch. I didn’t know the nature of their relationship, but I wasn’t leaving a single stone unturned.

I couldn’t do this all on my own. I had to call in reinforcements.

The phone rang. Once. Twice.

“Hello?”

A smirk tugged at my lips. “Look who it is. My favorite almost-felon.”

A low chuckle came through the line. “Ha-ha. Keep calling me that, and I’ll tell my parents you’re harassing me. Who’ll be the real felon then?”

I laughed, shaking my head. Typical Nico. Sixteen years old, quick-witted, sharp as a knife, and the son of one of the most powerful mob bosses in New York. I had no idea how his father had found me. Years ago, BuzzBurst wasn’t quite what it was today, but after I helped him out of a tough situation, Nico and I had struck a little deal.

Nico had a knack for getting into questionable activities. Instead of ratting him out, I’d leveraged his skills for my own benefit. Because as it turned out, the kid was a damn good hacker.

“You’d never,” I teased. “Our friendship is stronger than that. Betrayal isn’t an option.”

He hummed in response, and I could practically see him with his dark hair flopping into his eyes, probably wearing the same all-black hoodie he always wore.

“Your email sounded urgent,” he said, getting straight to business. “And I have homework, so let’s make this quick.”

“It’s summer,” I pointed out, sending over the list of names I’d compiled. My laptop let out a soft swoosh as the email left my outbox.

A ding sounded on his end. “I’m taking college courses,” Nico muttered, opening the file.

I smirked. “How is school going? Staying out of trouble, or getting into it?”

“What do you think?”

“In it? I expected nothing less.”

The sound of rapid-fire typing filled the silence. The kid could type faster than I could think.

“Who am I looking this stuff up for anyway?” Nico asked, voice casual but laced with curiosity.

“A friend,” I said, toying with the soft fabric of the blanket draped over my lap.

“A guy friend?”

I narrowed my eyes. “That’s none of your business.”

“Well…” Nico drawled, amusement clear in his tone. “I’m seeing a common theme here, someone named Colton Stone. And, uh…none of these people like him.” He let out a low chuckle.

I rolled my eyes. “What makes you say that?”

“I just found a few troll accounts dedicated exclusively to talking shit about him and commenting on the business social media accounts.”

I sighed, rubbing a hand over my face. “Yeah, I’m doing some work for him. He hit a…rough patch.”