A friend of mine in sales had their manager do the SAME thing during a big demo, except it was a whole slide with the wrong client logo on it. The manager blamed a "software update" that supposedly swapped files on everyone's machines. It was a total save, but honestly the client probably knew. Bosses like that are rare, anyone else would've thrown you to the wolves to save their own skin. You owe that VP a coffee or SOMETHING.

That money is gone, plain and simple. Family will do you dirty faster than strangers sometimes. You could take her to small claims court but good luck collecting from someone who dodges your calls. Honestly, your best move is to cut your losses and never co-sign for anyone again. Learned that lesson the hard way myself, cost me a lot more than $300.

Man, that takes some serious patience, respect.