Chapter 199
Chapter 199
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As I left the law firm, my emotions were a swirling mix of triumph and trepidation.
I had just sued my boss, Mr. Erickson, and the repercussions of that bold move
were yet to fully sink in.
My phone rang, and I fumbled to answer it. The familiar voice on the other end
sent a shiver down my spine. It was Timothy.
“Evie,” he said, his voice filled with warmth, “we haven't spoken in a while. How
have you been?”
I could feel my heart race at the sound of his voice, still flustered by our recent
trip to the beach. It had been a confusing and emotionally charged experience,
and I had needed time to process it all.
“I've been... busy,” I replied, my voice trembling slightly. “A lot has happened.”
Timothy's concern was evident in his tone. “Are you okay, Evie? You sound a
little... frazzled.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I've just been through a lot. I
sued my boss, Mr. Erickson.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and I could almost feel Timothy's
surprise through the phone. “You sued Mr. Erickson? Why?"
I went on to explain the harassment and wrongful termination I had experienced,
as well as the battle in the courtroom that had ultimately cleared my name.
Timothy listened attentively, his anger growing evident as I recounted the
injustices I had faced.
“How can I help, Evie?” he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.
I hesitated for a moment, grateful for his offer of support. “I appreciate your
concern, Timothy. I really do. But I've got this covered. I'll be representing myself
against Mr. Erickson.”
Timothy's voice grew insistent, his determination evident. “Evie, Ldon’t want you
to go through this alone. You shouldn't have to. If money is tight, I can fund a
lawyer to assist in your lawsuit. You don’t have to do this by yourself.”
I was taken aback by his offer, his generosity and concern for my well-being
touching my heart. I had never expected such a gesture from him, especially
after the tumultuous turn our relationship had taken. I knew he
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had the resources to help, but accepting his offer was a complex decision, one
that would require me to swallow my pride.
“I appreciate your offer, Timothy,” I said, my voice filled with gratitude. “But I've
come this far, and I want to see it through on my own. I need to prove to myself
that I can stand up for what's right and face the consequences of my actions.”
Timothy's tone was one of understanding, though I could sense his frustration
and disappointment. “I
understand, but I don’t want to see you overwhelmed. You don't have to prove
anything to me or anyone else. I just want you to be safe about this.”
I nodded, even though he couldn't see me. “I appreciate your concern, Timothy.”
“It's just... I really think it's in your best interest not to do this alone,” Timothy
continued, more hesitantly. “Harassment lawsuits can get complicated, and it
would be a shame for you to face it without proper legal representation.”
I leaned back in my seat, recalling the last time I'd had legal “assistance*, and
Linda came to mind. “I've had my fair share of lawyers, Timothy, and most of
them don’t cooperate well when money is involved. I can't afford to trust
someone who might jeopardize my case.”
Timothy's voice was steady and reassuring. “I understand your concerns, Evie,
but this time, it's different. I have a lawyer in mind, someone I trust completely. If
money is a concern, I'm more than willing to fund your legal defense. You
shouldn't have to face this alone.”
I hesitated, my mind racing with doubts and fears. The scars of my previous legal
battles were still fresh, and the thought of entrusting my case to another lawyer
made me uneasy.
Timothy's voice held a note of urgency. “Evie, I'm not just anyone. I'm your friend,
and I want to see you get through this unscathed. Trust me when I say that I'll
make sure the lawyer I recommend is the best in their field. After you, of course.”
I bit my lip,
“I'll be there every step of the way to assist you. You won't be alone in this.”
My heart wavered as I considered Timothy's words. I had never faced a dilemma
like this before, and the prospect of accepting help from someone who had been
a source of solace in these trying times was tempting. Still, the fear of betrayal
and the weight of my past experiences held me back.
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Timothy continued, his voice filled with conviction. “Evie, sometimes in life, you
have to take a leap of faith. You can't let the actions of a few tarnish your trust in
everyone else. I believe in you, and I believe in your innocence. Let me help you,
not just as a friend, but as someone who genuinely cares about your well-being.”
I took a deep breath, the enormity of my decision weighing heavily on my
shoulders. It was a difficult step to take, but I couldn't deny the sense of
camaraderie that had developed between Timothy and me, “Alright, Timothy. I'll
do it, but only if you promise to be there if anything goes wrong.”
Relief washed over me as Timothy replied, “I promise, Evie. I'll make the
arrangements for the lawyer, and I'll be with you every step of the way. You won't
have to face this alone.”
“I know said,” fumbling for my car keys. The phone went eerily quiet as I
unlocked my car, and I wondered if I'd accidentally hung up on him.
“And I'm glad you picked up,” Timothy added suddenly.
I mulled over his words. “Of course. Why wouldn't 1?”
“Well,” he began, a certain timidness in his voice, “You were acting a little strange
after that day at the beach. I
didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, if that's what happened.”
“Not”
I said, all too urgently. My voice echoed throughout the underground garage and
I shrunk into the driver's seat in shame. “You definitely didn’t.”
“So, we can talk about this then.”
“About what?"
He started to laugh, though it did little to ease my pacing heartbeat. “About what I
said. I want to start taking leaps, Evie. Things have been good between us.”
“I agree.” I began to pick at the torn leather on the steering wheel, my breathing
growing shallower. If I didn't end this call soon, I'd pass out. “It's nice being
friends.”
Another pause. “Listen, I think I'm going to have to start being clearer about my
intentions with you.”
His voice took on a more serious note and I bit my lip. It wasn’t lost on me the
way his voice rumbled, deep and rich, whenever he wanted to command my
attention. I sat quietly and waited, unsure of what to say.
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“I like being friends,” he continued slowly, like he had to let the words sink in, “But
1 think I want more than that. In fact, I'm sure I do.”
My heart leaped to the back of my throat, and I found myself choked up. “O-Oh,”
1 uttered.
“You may not have your answer now, and that's fine, but I already have mine,”
Timothy went on. “Although, I suspect you feel the same way.”
“Timothy...” I said breathlessly.
“Just think about it,” he said quickly. “And if you come up with a pretty good
excuse as to why not, lay it on me. As for right now, however, I don't see any
reason for why not.”
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I held the phone to my ear, wishing
that, somehow, I had the guts 1Q5aY
something. Anygh ing. (dbéen waiting
: ,
hear Mcge words from him, but I'd
never exactly thought about what
would happen after. The content is
on Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
The last “date” I went on ended horribly, and I was told I could never get the kind
of man I wanted. Timothy's words felt almost surreal as a result, like the universe
was playing a prank.
“I need more time to think about it,” I said. “Just for now.”
He hummed. “I understand. Take all the time you need. In the meantime, I have
some calls to make.”
“Okay.” I gulped as the tension in my stomach began to ease. “Okay.”
“Bye, Evie.”
After the call ended, I sat motionless in my car. His words still seemed foreign to
me. If he hadn't sounded so serious, I would've thought he was joking.
I put my keys in the ignition, turning on the car. I suppose I couldn't wait there
and figure that out. The next steps were in motion, and I had much to prepare for.
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With a deep sigh, I set my phone
- 5 )
aside, grateful for Timothy's support
but still uneasy about what lay gfygad.
I had a foros gesitera dear my
ner, 10 expose the lies and deceft
that had haunted me for so long, but
it was clear that he would be there
every step of the way whenever
possible. The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
Visit Novelxo.org to read full content.
That night, I started by going through
case files, revisiting the evidence that
had been used agigsQictre and
the guebliéhable testimonies of
those who had sought to destroy
: . )
their reputation. I'd hoped the
research would The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
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Chapter 199
help clear my mind and shift my focus.
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The focus was especially important. I needed to understand the tactics that
would be used against me and the weaknesses to avoid in my arguments.
This was a battle I couldn't afford to lose. With my future on the line, I had to give
it my all.
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