The bankruptcy court had beige walls and smelled of old paper. I sat in the second row with the other primary creditors.
Mr. Davison stood. His hourly rate had earned him a reputation for ruthless preparation. "Your Honor, A.W. Capital sees no viable path to restructuring. We move for immediate, forced liquidation."
Richard stared at me across the aisle. Eleanor murmured into her clasped hands, while Julian kept his eyes on the table.
The judge turned to the family. "Ms. Chloe Sterling, do you have a statement?"
Chloe stood with a thick leather binder pressed to her chest. When she tried to open it, the clasp slipped twice under her fingers.
"Yes, Your Honor. I have evidence. This wasn't my fault."
Papers slid from the binder and scattered around her shoes. She pointed at Richard. "H
