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He made it sound as if I were a whore who fucked anyone who asked. He was like all those who blame the victims of a crime.

Devin’s palm slid around my waist, giving me the grounding I needed to stand up to Papa.

“What you can’t handle is that I made a success of my life without a penny from you.”

“Do you think your education came for free?”

Papa tried to tower his six-foot height over me, but Devin shifted me to his side.

“I know who paid for my college and law school, and it wasn’t you. Mommy’s trust fund paid every dime of it. Did you think I didn’t know you’d have married me to the most advantageous bidder?” I pinched the bridge of my nose. “Indians in India aren’t as back-assed backward as you are. Hell, most of theDesigirls I know have fathers who would do anything to support their daughters’ dreams.”

“You disgraced us by breaking with tradition. Do you know what kind of life you would have had if only you’d listened? Everything was at your fingertips.”

“You mean if I’d let you control me as you’d done my whole life.”

“Don’t put words in my mouth. This is your last warning, Samina. Show some respect, or there will be consequences.”

His words triggered all the men in the room to shift, readying to step between us. Even Richard was shocked by the threat and positioned himself next to Veer at an angle to grab hold of Papa.

“I’m not a child anymore, Papa. I don’t owe you anything. I am a successful litigator with a thriving practice. So what if my clients don’t meet your standards. You’ve never met mine. Now if you’ll excuse me. I’ll be writing my speech to announce my candidacy for the Senate.”

I whirled around, turning my back to my father. He would never accept me, and I was done trying.

Before I could take a step, he grabbed me by the arm. “Over my dead body will you sell yourself as a politician.”

“Let her go,” Devin ordered. “Or I will take great pleasure in breaking every one of your fingers.”

Papa released his hold, shooting daggers at me with his eyes. “I can’t believe you’d whore yourself for the ambitions of this family.”

“Now wait just a minute.” Richard moved toward Papa. “You will not disrespect my family by insulting what we do to make our nation great.”

“Great? You sell yourself to the highest donor.” Papa stared me down. “Samina, if you enter this election, you will never be welcome in my home again.”

“How is that different than now? I haven’t been home in five years,” I countered. “You disgust me. You are no better than the bullies who I’m going to fight. At least Richard has the decency to try to make a difference. You sit on your high horse, rolling in your money. Never once have you thought to use it for good.”

“Don’t you lecture me. I’m your father.”

“Then act like it.”

His eyes narrowed. “You want to challenge me? I’ve put up with you marrying someone who didn’t fit into our culture. I put up with your sensationalist career. If for one damn minute you think I won’t put all my money behind your opponent to keep you out of office then you have another think coming.”

I swayed. Papa would destroy me to make a point.

“Enough,” Ashur voiced as he stepped next to me. “Papa, this conversation is done. You will never threaten my sister or anyone again. As of this day, you no longer have a son. Everyone knows you don’t have a daughter.”

Papa snorted. “Say that when the money runs out. Who’s going to pay for all your charity projects? Are you going to leave all your fellow veterans without funding?”

“We don’t need your money. I’ve always known how you felt about my military service and the charities I started.” Ashur took my hand. “You’ve spent so much time worrying about your image to notice what was happening in your company. I haven’t taken a salary in years. The money I spend is from real estate deals I made using the revenue I earned selling Bitcoin before the bust.”

“You ungrateful pissant. Both of you have made your choice. Don’t come crawling back to me when you fall flat on your asses.” Papa turned to Mommy. “Get up. We’re leaving.”

Mommy stayed where she was.

“Anya, I said get up.” He walked over to her and bellowed, “Now.”

She remained still, not flinching an inch. After years of this, she never showed any outward reaction to Papa’s outbursts. She straightened the pleats on her dress, took a shaky breath, and then said, “I’m staying with my children.”

“So that’s how it is?”