Web Fic
Chapter 139
The judge banged his gavel again and reminded sternly, “Please, plaintiff and defendant, mind your emotions.”
Heeding the judge’s advice, both parties simmered down, their anger barely contained.
The judge turned to Nick’s lawyer and inquired, “Counsel for the defense. Do you have anything further to add?”
Nick had chosen a middle-aged male attorney who, upon the judge’s query, stood up said, “Your Honor, my client has made his position abundantly clear. I have nothing further to add at this time.”
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The judge then looked towards Estrella, “Counsel for the plaintiff. Are you able to present any further evidence at this point?”
Estrella replied, “Your Honor, we have no further evidence to present today. Therefore, we request an adjournment until the next session.
“Very well,” the judge addressed Estrella, “but please be prepared to present any additional evidence before we reconvene.”
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Estrella acknowledged, “Understood, Your Honor.” If they couldn’t produce any compelling evidence next time, the case would effectively be closed, and Nick would walk away without a scratch.
The judge announced, “Court is adjourned for today regarding the case of Lexi Hart’s injury. Both parties will be notified of the date for the next hearing in due course. The defendant, Nick, is instructed not to leave Ravenwood until the conclusion of this case.’
And with that, the session concluded, leaving Lexi’s family with little advantage aside from the charges filed against Nick.
As the group made their way to the parking lot in front of the courthouse, Jeffery and Haley spotted Nick emerging and, with eyes red with fury, accosted him, “Nick, you’re heartless! You’ve ruined my daughter.”
Dressed in a branded sportswear ensemble, Nick approached Lexi’s family with his hands in his pockets, his demeanor casual as he said, “In-laws, let’s not jump to conclusions or hurl insults. I’ve already said this has nothing to do with me. Why don’t you wait for Lexi to wake up and explain it to you herself? And really, I was quite composed in there, given how you’re pinning this on me.”
Jeffery and Haley trembled with rage. Haley was too upset to stand steadily, let alone hurl accusations she desperately wanted to. How dare he defend himself and smear her daughter’s name, insinuating that she was unfaithful. Haley knew her daughter better than anyone. She couldn’t be that kind of person.
09.07
Jeffery and Haley were livid and unable to utter a word. Nick turned his gaze to Zoey, his expression darkening considerably. Pulling his hand from his pocket, he pointed at Zoey. “Are you accusing me of
murder, Zoey? That’s pretty harsh.” After his remark, he casually spat on the ground and sauntered off with a carefree swagger.
Estrella remained composed, watching the scene unfold. She had dealt with types like
Nick before.
Once Nick was out of sight, Zoey looked at Estrella with tears in her eyes. “Estrella, do you believe my sister’s injury and fall have nothing to do with him?”
Estrella watched Nick’s retreating figure. “I’ll bring him to justice.”
‘Estrella’s determination and calmness inexplicably soothed Zoey and her parents, instilling in them a belief that she would uncover the truth and secure justice for their daughter.
After consoling Zoey and her parents and discussing the next steps for the case, Estrella suggested they head home. Zoey offered to treat Estrella to dinner, but she declined, suggesting they wait until the case was resolved. Estrella encouraged Zoey to take her parents to rest. Zoey reluctantly agreed and left with her parents.
After watching them depart, Estrella turned to find her own car, only to discover it was sitting unusually low. Upon closer inspection, she found all four tires punctured, the car sagging lifelessly. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that Nick was behind this petty act of revenge, upset that she had taken on Lexi’s family’s case.
Shaking her head in frustration, Estrella was fuming. What a low blow!
Nick’s juvenile stunt only steeled Estrella’s resolve to win this case. She couldn’t let a man like that get the best of her, especially since held likely seek revenge on Zoey if given the chance.
As she pulled out her phone to call for a ride, a sleek black car pulled up beside her. “Estrella.”
Turning, she saw the window slowly roll down to reveal Korey’s face, “Estrella.”
Surprised, she greeted him, “Korey.”
“Get in. I’ll give you a lift,” he offered.
With her car out of commission and Korey conveniently right there, it seemed more awkward to refuse than to accept. So, she hopped in.
The car started moving, and Blake, the driver, glanced back and offered a polite “Ms. Estrella.”
She smiled back at Blake and turned to Korey, Were you around here on business?”
“Just doing a routine check of the prosecutor’s office,” Korey replied before probing, “What
09:071
happened to your car? The tires seem to be damaged.”
“Likely the work of the defendant,” she said.
Korey’s concern was palpable as he suggested, “I’ll have someone look into it, and I’ll ask Doug to assign a couple of ex-military guys to follow you discreetly.”
Estrella couldn’t help but laugh, “It’s not that serious. Besides, he wouldn’t dare make a move now, or he’d be the prime suspect. And once this case is over, he won’t have the chance.”
Besides, if anyone should be arranging protection, it’d be Jason, not Korey. If Jason found out, it could cause a ripple of unease not just for her but for the entire Nelson and Ledford families. She thought it best to let everyone live peacefully.
Korey’s features softened at Estrella’s words, and he chuckled, “Estrella, you’re still as sharp and self- assured as ever.”
With a playful smile, Estrella quipped, “Guess that’s all I’ve got going for me.”
“Nah, you’ve got plenty of good attributes,” Korey retorted, still smiling.
Estrella laughed in response.
Later, Korey offered to take her out for lunch. Just as they were contemplating where to go, Blake pulled up right in front of the diner, so Estrella ended up grabbing a bite with Korey.
After they finished their midday meal, Korey dropped Estrella off at the law firm. She toiled away the afternoon until the clock struck seven. The world outside was shrouded in darkness, the building emptied of its workforce. Estrella finally powered down her computer and called it a day.
By the time she arrived home, Jason was still out. She was worn out, so after a quick shower, she collapsed onto the bed and lay there motionless. Exhaustion weighed heavily on her, yet her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She tried closing her eyes for some rest, but sleep eluded her.
She wasn’t sure how long she’d been lying there when the bedroom door creaked open, and Jason returned. “You’re back,” she greeted him, her voice barely above a whisper, drained of energy.
Jason, noticing her lethargy, hung up his tie and approached the bed, gently caressing her face. “What’s got you looking so wilted?”
Estrella didn’t shy away from his touch, her large, dewy eyes gazing into his, intoxicating him with their vulnerability. It was a look reserved for moments when she felt deeply wronged or was profoundly downhearted. In the nearly 24 years he’d known her, he’d seen that expression less than a handful of times.