Ms.
Alvarez unfolded the final document from Harper’s folder while Vivian stood in the hallway, one hand still pressed dramatically against her chest.
The tears on Vivian’s face had disappeared the moment she realized Harper had records.
Riley remained beside her, phone lowered but still recording, her thumb hovering over the screen as though she could edit the morning into a version that favored them.
Inside the apartment, Dylan stood near the kitchen counter.
He was close enough to intervene, but he understood what Harper needed most in that moment.
She needed to speak for herself.
Ms.
Alvarez read the page once, then turned it toward the second building representative, Mr.
Chen.
It was a written statement from the property manager confirming that Vivian Collins had contacted the office three times in the previous year asking for access to Harper’s apartment.
Each request had been denied.
Vivian was not listed on the lease.
