Chapter 6 - The HearingThe estate hearing was held two weeks later.
Evelyn sat beside Summer.
Andy sat across from them.
His attorney argued that the forty thousand had been a personal loan.
Daniel presented the documents.
Then the bank records.
Then the receipts.
Then Samantha's statement.
The judge asked Andy:
“Did your mother authorize these purchases?”
“No.”
“Did your father authorize them?”
“He was deceased.”
“Then who did?”
Andy had no answer.
The judge looked at the records.
“Mr. Oldham, this money was transferred from an estate account for a stated business purpose.”
“Yes.”
“Where is the business?”
Andy swallowed.
“There isn't one.”
Silence.
The judge leaned back.
“Then where did the money go?”
Andy finally whispered:
“I spent it.”
Evelyn closed her eyes.
Summer looked down.
The judge ordered restitution.
The money would have to be returned.
Andy also faced civil consequences.
But there was another issue.
The house.
Daniel presented evidence that Andy had attempted to refinance the property without Summer's knowledge.
That shocked everyone.
The judge issued an immediate restriction.
Andy could not sell, refinance, or transfer the home without Summer's written consent.
When the hearing ended, Andy approached her.
“Summer.”
She stopped.
“I know I ruined everything.”
“Yes.”
“I want another chance.”
“No.”
“Please.”
She looked at him.
“You had eight years.”
“I know.”
“You had eight years to be my husband.”
He lowered his head.
“I was stupid.”
“You were selfish.”
“I can change.”
“I hope you do.”
He looked up.
“Then why won't you stay?”
“Because your change doesn't require my suffering.”
He had nothing to say.
Summer walked away.
Evelyn followed.
Outside, she hugged Summer.
“I should have seen it.”
Summer shook her head.
“You trusted your son.”
“Yes.”
“So did I.”
Evelyn cried.
May you like
Summer held her.
“We both learned.”
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