He Gave Her My Home So I Took Back My Life Chapter 17
Nora began her new career as the founder of the Hale Historic Home Restoration Foundation. She believed Mateo valued her for her professional ability.
On the day of the hearing, Graham looked gaunt and worn. He had barely opened his mouth to speak to her before she passed him by, leaving Vivian clutching at his arm as she walked into the courtroom beside Mateo.
Graham admitted to filing a false police report but denied knowing the full truth. Then the judge presented pawn records and witness testimony: Vivian had stolen the pearl necklace and instructed a makeup artist to create the scratch marks on her arm.
“You lied to me?” Graham demanded, turning on her in shock.
Vivian, deathly pale, burst into tears. “I’ve loved you since we were children! Nora took everything from us, and your weakness ruined it all!”
She was led away by court officers, charged with theft and perjury. Graham turned to Nora and finally apologized.
“It’s over.”
But when he saw her hand clasped in Mateo’s, tears finally fell. In the end, he was sentenced to community service and substantial damages for his role in the perjury and defamation.
Outside the courtroom, Mateo handed me a letter of intent.
“My foundation has approved a ten-million-dollar investment in the Hale Foundation.”
“It’s an investment, not a gift,” I reminded him.
“Of course.” He smiled slightly. “The terms are yours to decide.”
I had just started to take the documents when the court clerk called out to me.
She handed me a clear evidence bag.
Inside was the camellia clasp I had searched for so long. The silver had tarnished, and one edge still held a short, torn piece of old silk thread.
Along with the evidence bag came a notice from the state attorney’s office.
The financial review of the Ashford Foundation would begin formal hearings the next day.
And I was the first witness.
I looked up.
At the far end of the corridor, Graham saw the notice in my hand.
The remorse that had just begun to surface on his face instantly hardened into fear.