It referred the forged authorization for legal review but agreed not to pursue the trust for any fees because I had reported the problem before funding.
Mike’s SUV remained with the auto lender.
His overdue balance did not disappear, and neither did his credit-card debt.
The bank’s investigator asked whether I wished to provide a formal statement.
Mike stared at me across the table.
“You wouldn’t,” he said.
I remembered the soda hitting my dress.
The laughter.
Mom telling me not to ruin her birthday.
Emma’s name treated like a stain everyone wished I would hide.
“I will tell the truth,” I said.
The investigation continued for several months.
Irene eventually admitted she had submitted the copied signature after Mom assured her I would approve the loan later.
Mike claimed he had not known exactly how the paperwork was obtained, but messages showed he knew the application included debts concealed from me.
