“You blackmailed my mother and stole tuition money to cover your own land investments that went bust,” Wade said, adjusting his glasses.

Arthur swallowed hard, his hands trembling as he looked me straight in the eye.

“I’m sorry, Tom.

For every year of it.”

The room stayed silent apart from the low hum of street traffic three stories below.

One of the bank directors shifted in his chair, waiting for me to raise my voice or call for a trial.

“I won’t take hatred with me into the years I have left, Arthur,” I said simply.

“The debt is paid.”