The judge’s eyes narrowed.
“That is not an answer.”
Richard Cole stood.
“Your Honor, my client requests a brief recess to review these materials.”
“Granted. Fifteen minutes.”
The judge left the bench.
The moment he disappeared through the side door, Victor turned toward me.
His expression was no longer amused.
It was desperate.
“Evelyn,” he whispered. “We need to talk.”
I remained seated.
“We’ve been talking for twenty-two years, Victor.”
“Not like this.”
“You’re right. We usually talk when you want me to sign something.”
He flinched.
Melissa stood abruptly.
“What is going on?” she demanded.
Victor reached for her hand.
“Melissa, please.”
She pulled away.
“You told me your first wife had no claim to the restaurant. You said she had never worked there. You said she was trying to destroy you because she couldn’t accept the divorce.”
I looked at her.
“Did he also tell you the seven hundred and forty thousand dollars came from his investments?”
