My mother gasped and lunged for the phone. I stepped back smoothly, and my father caught her arm before she reached me.

“Eleanor, stop!” His voice cracked with shame and panic. He turned to me, tears standing in his aged eyes. “Maya… please. I didn’t know the extent of this.

I swear. I thought your mother was just helping Julian shift some assets around. I didn’t know they used your identity. I didn’t know about the forgery.”

“Then you should have looked closer, Dad.” I felt a faint tinge of pity for him. No mercy, but pity. “You spent thirty years looking the other way because it was easier than confronting her.

Your silence made you an accomplice.”

I hovered my thumb over the send icon.