My Mother Took the Stand
Back in the courtroom, Blake’s attorney called my mother as his first witness.
Judith walked to the stand with the confidence of someone who had rehearsed every word.
After swearing to tell the truth, she folded her hands and faced the judge.
“Mrs. Keene,” Blake’s attorney began, “how would you describe your daughter’s ability to manage financial matters over the past several years?”
My mother lowered her gaze.
“Marissa has always been intelligent, but after losing her father, she changed. She became suspicious and made impulsive decisions.”
“Did she ask Blake to manage her affairs?”
“Yes,” she said. “She told him she couldn’t handle the responsibility anymore.”
Blake shifted slightly and looked at me.
He expected to see me break.
I gave him nothing.
His attorney continued.
“Have you received any personal financial benefit from Mr. Donnelly’s management of your daughter’s assets?”
“Absolutely not,” my mother replied. “I’m here only because I love my daughter.”
When it was Gideon’s turn, he stood slowly.
“Mrs. Keene, are you certain you have never benefited from any company connected to Blake Donnelly?”
“I’m certain.”
“And neither your younger daughter nor her husband has received money linked to Northstar Advisory Group?”
My mother met his eyes.
“No one in our family has received anything.”
Gideon nodded.
“Thank you. No further questions.”
Blake looked satisfied.
My mother returned to her seat with a faint smile.
She believed Gideon hadn’t challenged her.
In truth, he had given her every chance to tell the truth.
She chose to lie.
