Left for Dead Came Back for Everything novel Chapter 173

Mr. Sterling's call came earlier than expected.

The next day, Eliza was still crouched in her living room organizing the action storyboard files for *Echoes of the Valley* when her phone screen lit up with the landline number from Arthur Sterling's office.

She answered.

"Eliza, the handwriting analysis results are in."

Mr. Sterling's voice was steady, exuding professional efficiency.

"The conclusion is crystal clear—the handwriting for the joint guarantor signature on the IOU exhibits significant discrepancies from your own handwriting samples."

"The stroke rhythm, the starting and ending characteristics, and the spacing habits do not meet the criteria for being written by the same person. The conclusion: the signature was forged by someone else."

Eliza's fingers tightened slightly around her phone, then slowly relaxed.

"The report was issued in duplicate. I have the physical copy sealed, and the digital file was just sent to your email. Additionally, the forensic center issued a formal letter that can be used directly as a legal document."

"Mr. Sterling," Eliza said softly, "can this conclusion legally invalidate their debt collection efforts against me?"

"Yes." Mr. Sterling's answer was crisp. "You are not the guarantor, and the signature is a forgery. You bear no joint liability for repayment."

"If they continue to harass you, we can take legal action and file a police report directly for forgery and identity theft."

Eliza closed her eyes.

Thousands of dollars.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling."

"You're welcome. I'll have my assistant deliver the documents to your specified address this afternoon. You just need to sign for them. Also—"

Mr. Sterling paused. "Eliza, regarding the fact that your mother misappropriated your ID copy... if you decide to pursue the matter further, I can represent you."

"I understand." Eliza didn't immediately answer whether she would pursue it. "Let's just get the documents delivered first."

After hanging up, she sat on the sofa, staring at the kraft paper envelope on the coffee table for a long time.

Yvonne's file from Julian was tucked beneath it, and on top rested her handwritten to-do list.

One of the items read: "High-interest loan / Handwriting analysis," followed by a question mark.

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