Simone, you’re old enough now to claim your place. My enemies are gone. The threats have been neutralized.
I built an empire, and most of it is yours if you want it. But I won’t force myself into your life.
If you want to meet me, I’ll be waiting.
You are worth more than how anyone has ever treated you.
You are a Whitmore.
Simone looked up, tears running freely now.
Theodore took a careful step closer.
“I didn’t stay away because I didn’t want you,” he said, voice shaking. “I stayed away because men who wanted to destroy me would have used you to do it. Your mother… your mother begged me to keep you safe.”
Simone’s legs gave out.
Before she hit the pavement, Theodore caught her, holding her like he’d been practicing for thirty years.
“I’m sorry,” she gasped into his chest. “I’m sorry I didn’t know.”
“No,” Theodore whispered, rocking her gently. “I’m sorry you didn’t know. That was my failure. But I’m here now.”
Inside the gala, the Carters were still laughing.
Outside, Simone’s universe had just been rewritten.
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