The repair estimates.
The judge examined each item carefully.
Then Brian’s attorney stood.
He described his client as a man who had suffered significant emotional and financial strain.
According to him, moving out of the marital home had been difficult.
Any damage could have occurred accidentally.
The faucets might have been left running unintentionally.
And the holes could have resulted from the moving process.
I sat still, listening.
Then he turned to the financial settlement.
He described Brian’s rent, legal bills, vehicle payments, and other expenses.
He asked the court to reduce my share of the remaining assets because Brian was supposedly experiencing serious financial hardship.
When he finished, I felt my father’s hand shift beside me.
Dad leaned forward.
Then he whispered something to Claire.
I couldn’t hear the words.
But I saw her reaction.
Her eyes widened.
She turned toward him.
And across the courtroom, Brian suddenly went pale.
