The donors demanded their money back.

The name Vance, which had opened every door in Denver, became a thing people distanced themselves from.

And some weeks after the sentencing, an email arrived from my lead attorney, confirming that the final restitution check from the state property seizure had been deposited into my account: every single cent that Tessa had charged to my credit card over six years, repaid in full, plus full damages for the home and equipment Julian had destroyed.

They had spent seven years treating my money as theirs by right.