“It isn’t rent on my forgiveness.”

“I know.”

She looked surprised that I didn’t argue.

It reminded me of how many times I once had.

PART 15

My mother eventually agreed to meet with Priya and Marianne.

She arrived in a pale suit carrying a leather handbag and the strained composure of someone who had practiced a defense.

She said she had acted because she believed Elena wanted money and that I was under too much pressure to make a sound decision.