CHAPTER 11: THE LEGAL BATTLE
The trial was brutal.
My mother's lawyer tried to paint me as a bitter daughter who was seeking revenge. They brought up my decision to move the money into a trust, claiming it was proof I was trying to destroy the family.
But the evidence was overwhelming.
The forged signatures.
The hidden accounts.
The embezzled funds.
My father testified against his own wife.
"It's true," he said on the stand. "She lied to me for years. She stole from our family. And I was too blind to see it."
Grant took the stand too. He looked broken.
"I was in debt," he said. "I had problems. And she helped me. I know it was wrong. But she's still my mother."
The jury deliberated for two days.
When they returned, the verdict was unanimous.
Guilty on all counts.
My mother was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Grant was given probation.
My father was ordered to pay restitution.
And I walked out of the courtroom a free woman.
My mother screamed at me as the bailiff led her away.
"This isn't over, Evelyn! I'll get out, and I'll make you pay!"
I didn't respond.
May you like
Because it was over.
For me, at least.
