Chapter 2: The Signature That Wasn’t Mine
My mother’s fingers tightened around her purse.
“It was a medical expense,” she said.
“Riley needed treatment.”
I stood slowly.
“Riley has never received treatment for that amount.”
Her lawyer leaned over.
“Connor, sit down.”
The judge’s expression hardened.
“He may remain standing.”
She turned the document toward my mother.
“This withdrawal includes a parent’s authorization.
Did your son sign it?”
Elaine glanced at me.
“He must have forgotten.”
“I didn’t forget,” I said.
“That isn’t my signature.”
For the first time, Melissa looked frightened.
She whispered something to Daniel, but the courtroom microphone caught two words.
“You promised.”
The judge heard them too.
“What exactly did your mother promise you, Mrs.
Hayes?”
Melissa’s face lost its color.
Elaine reached for her arm, but Melissa pulled away.
Then my lawyer placed a bank record beside the withdrawal form.
“The money marked for Riley’s medical care never went to a doctor,” he said.
“It was transferred into another account.”
“Whose account?” the judge asked.
My lawyer looked directly at Melissa.
Before he could answer, the courtroom door opened.
My father’s former accountant stepped inside carrying a sealed envelope.
Elaine stared at him and whispered, “You said that copy was gone.”
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What was inside the envelope—and why was Elaine terrified Connor would see it?
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