The judge will ultimately rule based on intent to

The judge will ultimately rule based on intent to honor the contract when iniated, after executed, and attempts to rectify after things went sideways. If the contract was not entered in by good faith by either party - it is not a valid contract. If it can be "proved" and/or the judge agrees that the lender had no interest in HJOE paying off the loan despite the terms provided - then they could say no damagaes are due beyond what was paid or offered. The judge doesnt want to set a precedent unless they are 100% convicted in their beliefs and do not believe an appeal will provide new evidence/arguments to the contrary and further bog down the court.