Ofelia remained in the dining room staring at the retirement brochure she’d left beside the flowers.

I stayed at the table after everyone was gone, looking at the crumbs and empty glasses.

I had not won back twenty-eight years.

But I had stopped letting other people decide what those years meant.

PART 13: Brenda’s Account

Three days after the family dinner, Brenda contacted Stephen’s office through her own attorney.

She wanted to discuss the company investigation.

My first instinct was to refuse.