“With accrued interest over four decades, the final distribution comes to exactly two hundred thousand dollars,” Samuel said.

I looked down at the check.

My name was printed neatly on the payee line, right above the black signature of the bank’s vice president.

“Julian has no legal claim to any portion of these trust funds,” Samuel added, holding his pen steady in his hand.

“The court confirmed yesterday that his attempts to access family accounts were entirely fraudulent.”

“Did his lawyer file an appeal?” I asked.