Opinion ID: 1888053
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Trial Judge's Finding of an Unconditional Promise

Text: Bella Via argues that the trial judge based his misrepresentation findings on a single email sent by Esham. Bella Via argues that by focusing on a single line in a single email, the trial judge failed to consider a chain of emails that reveal that Bella Via and its principals made no unequivocal promises. Bella Via misstates the trial judge's opinion on remand. The trial judge notes that Elboim spoke with Reserves and agreed that Bella Via would pay its share, and Esham's conduct, when he promised that Bella Via would pay its share and do so immediately. While the trial judge focuses on the June 7th email, he hardly focuses on a single line. Several lines in that email refute Bella Via's argument that no promise was made. For example, We are prepared to perform in the same manner as [Reserves] in reference to the letter of credit with Wilmington Trust ... Our monies will be wired to meet our obligations.... We will pay our pro-rated share of the monies needed be deposited for the letter of credit; the letter of credit fee; the lender fees; the permit fees; construction management fees; any other pro-ratable fees.... We are ready to perform now. [18] Not only did Esham and Elboim promise to contribute their share of the costs associated with obtaining the letters of credit and management fees, but Esham also testified that he never intended to contribute Bella Via's share of costs. [19] Ample evidence supports the trial judge's determination that Esham and Elboim made a promise and never intended to fulfill that promise.