“You were protecting your father,” she said softly.

Simone looked up, stunned.

“I’ve spent my whole life trying to prove I was worthy of mine,” Ifeoma went on.

“I’m not going to pretend I don’t understand the instinct.” “Do you forgive me?” Simone stammered.

“Not yet,” Ifeoma said, picking up the drive.

“But you can start by helping us fix what Obadiah broke.”