The other half returned to a private account controlled by Richard.
“The house loan went into the same account,” she said.
Richard turned to me.
“I’ll restore every dollar if you withdraw the complaint.”
“You offered me my own money to buy my silence.”
“I kept this family together for twenty-five years.”
“You kept us inside a lie.”
The judge froze the private account, suspended enforcement of the house loan, and ordered Richard to surrender access to Elaine’s finances.
She also referred the forged documents and false financial filings for formal investigation.
Richard’s lawyer removed her identification card from the table.
“I can no longer represent you.”
He stared at her.
“You work for me.”
“Not after hearing that recording.”
Richard looked at Lily.
“You believe them over your father?”
“I believe your voice.”
The bailiff escorted him from the room.
At the door, Richard turned toward me.
