Chapter 7 - The CourtroomLauren eventually stood before a judge.
She looked different.
No designer coat.
No expensive jewelry.
No confident smile.
Just a woman facing the consequences of her choices.
The prosecutor presented the evidence.
Bank records.
Forged signatures.
Fake invoices.
Property purchases.
Emails.
Messages.
And the recorded conversation where Lauren admitted she believed I was too old to understand the money.
The judge asked:
“Did you believe Mr. Whittaker was incapable of managing his own affairs?”
Lauren looked at me.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
She hesitated.
“Because of his age.”
I spoke for the first time.
“My age didn't make me confused.”
She looked down.
“My trust did.”
The courtroom became silent.
Lauren was convicted of multiple financial crimes.
The stolen funds were ordered to be recovered where possible.
The luxury condominium was seized.
The investment accounts were frozen.
Some money was returned.
Not all.
But enough to secure my future.
After the hearing, Jared stood beside me outside the courthouse.
“I wish I had seen it.”
I looked at him.
“You weren't blind.”
“What was I?”
“Busy.”
He laughed sadly.
“That's worse.”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“What's worse is refusing to learn.”
He looked at me.
May you like
“I learned.”
“So did I.”
