Chapter 18 - George’s Appeal
George appealed his conviction.
He claimed ineffective counsel.
He claimed Emily manipulated him.
He claimed Sophia’s emotional testimony prejudiced the jury.
The appellate court rejected most arguments.
One insurance count was sent back for technical review.
The remaining convictions and sentence stood.
George wrote Sophia directly.
The prison screened and forwarded the letter.
You have had years to prove your point.
Withdraw your opposition to my appeal.
I am getting older.
A decent daughter would not leave her father here.
Sophia placed the letter beside his original demand.
Sell that apartment tomorrow, or don’t ever call me your father again.
The language had not changed.
Only the requested asset.
First, the apartment.
Now, her public support.
George still believed fatherhood created a permanent line of credit.
Sophia wrote one response.
You ended our relationship when you made obedience the price of having a father.
The court case is not mine to withdraw.
Do not contact me again.
She filed the letter with prison authorities and requested no further communication.
The decision brought grief.
Not doubt.
The father she wanted had never existed separately from the man demanding control.
May you like
Accepting that loss hurt more than arguing with him.
It also ended the negotiation.
