He looked older than he had a week ago.

His collar was slightly crooked, and he had dark circles under his eyes.

His attorney, a short man with graying hair named Mr. Vance, stood near the window.

“Tessa,” Brent said, starting to stand up.

“Sit down, Brent,” Jennifer said, her voice sharp and steady.

Brent sank back into his chair, his hands gripping the armrests.

I sat down opposite him, placing my hands flat on the table.

“Let’s get straight to the point,” Mr. Vance said, walking over to the table. “My client is prepared to sign the waiver for the joint savings account.”

“That is not going to be enough,” Jennifer said.

She opened her briefcase and pulled out a stack of documents.

“These are the certified bank logs from the Redwood Crest home equity line,” Jennifer said.

She slid the papers across the polished mahogany.

“We have clear proof that Brent forged Tessa’s signature on three separate withdrawal authorizations,” she said.

Mr. Vance did not look at the papers.

He kept his eyes on Jennifer.

“We are aware of the allegations,” Mr. Vance said.