I Gave Away the Birthday Chocolates, Then the Screaming Started

courtroom. Melissa’s justification followed. Dad’s silence hung in the background like guilt.

Victor Chen testified about Evelyn’s debt and the timing of her cash advances.

Then Brandon testified.

He walked to the stand with his back straight, though his knuckles shook on the rail. He told them about Evelyn pulling him aside, about being ordered not to continue reading …