Chapter 20: The Trial
The trial lasted six weeks.
Andrew hired the best lawyers money could buy.
But even they couldn't save him.
The evidence was too strong.
The forged signatures. The hidden accounts. The stolen money.
Every day, more people testified against him.
His old employees. His former partners. Even his mother.
Margaret Whitmore took the stand.
"Did you know your son was stealing from his wife?" the prosecutor asked.
"I—" She looked at Andrew. "I didn't know."
"Did you suspect?"
"I didn't—I mean—"
"Answer the question, Mrs. Whitmore."
She broke down crying.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Andrew stared at her.
"Mother?"
"I couldn't—I knew he was doing something wrong. I just didn't know what."
"And you didn't stop him?"
"I couldn't. He's my son."
The prosecutor nodded.
"No further questions."
Andrew was convicted.
He was sentenced to five years in prison.
I watched as they led him away.
His eyes met mine.
For a moment, I thought I saw something.
Regret.
Hatred.
Sadness.
I couldn't tell.
May you like
But it didn't matter anymore.
It was over.
