Chapter 29: Nicole’s Judgement

Evan, his friends, and his family stayed in Lockwood for two days, finalizing documents. It was on the
last day that Evan asked Keith for a favor. In the lobby of the same hotel they were staying, “Evan
invited Keith for coffee.”
As they were drinking their beverages in front of a round table, Evan said to his friend, “I’d like to
apologize again about, you know, Nicole.”
Keith laughed and answered, “No need to apologize. That’s all good. Besides, I also have things to
be sorry about.
“What?” Evan asked with a frown, but Keith just shrugged. How could Keith tell Evan about
Shantelle? He can only keep his mouth shut.
“That I am hotter?” Keith teased, and Evan managed a weak smile. “Fuck, you look like shit, Evan,”
Keith remarked. “You can’t even smile properly.”
Evan groaned. He replied, “It hasn’t been easy, but I’m trying to live through it.”
He looked at Keith and said, “Keith, I need a favor.” “What is it? Wasn’t it enough I approved those
insurance claims? Evan, you better do your part and market Prima MedCare. It was difficult for me to
approve the kids’ policies. Most insurance companies do not cover pre-existing illness,” Keith said
back. I would not have agreed to it without your promises.”
“I know. I owe you, and the children owe you,” Evan acknowledged. “Tell me if it goes beyond the
policy limit, and I’ll find a way to cover it.”
“Shut Haven’t up. you realized your thoughtful nature got you involved with Nicole slash Melody?
I’m telling you, Evan, sometimes, you have to be cruel,” Keith suggested.
“I can be cruel when I lose my patience, but I get what you mean.” Evan nodded and answered, “I’ve
already considered that, but it has nothing to do with helping a sickly child. It is better to give than
to receive.”
“Anyway, about what I need from you. Evan first drank his coffee. After which, he revealed his
intention. “I need help… in finding Doctor Scott.”
“You have the right connections, Keith. Your father’s company has opened branches in ten states,
and I know you are expanding,” Evan said. “You know doctors you know people in the medical field
more than I do.’
Evan leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He said, “I need help in finding
Shanty,” Keith fell silent. He sucked in a breath and said, “Do you have to, Evan -”
“Are you my friend? Fine, you were right. I was wrong. I’m sorry, I did not listen to you about not
divorcing Shanty. I regret it now, and that’s why I need to find her,” Evan revealed. “But she left,
Evan. Let her be,” Keith insisted. “I just want to try,” Evan reasoned. ” Please, help me.”
After a few more convincing, Keith unwillingly agreed, saying, “I will do my best, Evan, but no
promises. It’s not like we have the entire country covered. Plus, there is always the possibility that
they left the country.”
“Consider one thing, though, Evan,” Keith proposed. “I’ve dated a lot of women to know them well.
For love, they do many crazy things give up many things, but when they give up on the relationship,
it means they are tired of loving you.”
“What if Shanty doesn’t love you anymore? Are you going to be that man who will push yourself
into her life?” Keith asked. He finished his coffee and added, “Just think about it, but I will see how I
can help you find Doctor Scott.”
Evan sucked in a breath, listening to his friend’s words. After giving it much thought, he answered,
“Keith, I don’t want to have another regret. I have to try before I willingly let her go.” “Thank you for
helping me, Keith,” he added. “I appreciate it, friend.”
“Nicole Lively, since you have changed your name legally, and it is within records, you will be
addressed as such in this court,” the judge in the courtroom said.
Months had passed since Evan learned of Nicole’s true nature. It was finally time for the judge to
give the verdict. The judge, including the audience, listened to both the defense and persecution
arguments. Pieces of evidence were re-presented and reviewed.
After two hours, the judge came to a decision. He asked everyone to stand as he first looked at Evan
on the prosecutor’s side and lightly nodded. Then he directed his gaze to Nicole.
“In the case of Rose Hills versus Nicole Lively, for wasting police hours, the court is going to impose
a sentence of five years without the possibility of parole,” said the judge.
Instantly, Nicole’s eyes widened in horror. She turned to her father behind the audience, and
Thomas shook his head, looking defeated. Thomas Campbell was only locked up for over a month,
unlike Nicole, who was facing serious charges.
“For your fraudulent activities, the court is going to impose a sentence of another five years without
the possibility of parole,” the judge added, making Nicole completely lose her temper.
“That’s absurd! Are you kidding me? I did not kill anybody to deserve ten years!” Nicole complained.
She turned to Evan and saw the menacing look on his face. She said, “you did this, Evan!”
On the other side of the bench, Evan repeatedly nodded, satisfied with the sentence. He was
unaffected by Nicole’s frantic claims. In Rose Hills, he was power now, and he meant to make use of
it. Yes, he did it. He influenced the judge’s decision and will do it over and over again to make Nicole
Lively suffer.
“Miss Lively, you need to calm down!” While her defense attorney tried to put her in place, the judge
became more irritated.
“You are a scheming woman, Miss Lively. The kind who is dangerous to the community. Just look at
your reaction!” The judge scolded. “For disrespecting this court and seeing your violent nature, this
court will send you to Long-Island Penitentiary!”>
The judge ended the session without giving Nicole another chance to speak, saying, “The court is
now adjourned.”
“No! Father! Please, help me!” Nicole became more delirious, thinking about where she would be
imprisoned. The Long Island Penitentiary was intended for murderers, drug dealers, rapists those
involved in heinous crimes, yet why was she sent to such a facility? All she did was try to get Evan’s
affection! It was injustice!
“Evan!” She snapped at Evan while he took his leave with his attorneys. “You paid the judge! I’m sure
you did! You can’t get away! I will file a plea! This isn’t fair!”
“You did this to yourself!” Evan coldly said. “You want to appeal, then try. Try to try if the court will
even listen to you. Suffer and pay the price for messing with my life!”