Chapter 286

My heart raced as I sprinted toward the courthouse, my mind consumed by a whirlwind of emotions. I couldn't shake off the feeling of apprehension that had settled deep within me ever since I received that distressing call. The bitter cold wind slapped against my face, matching the turmoil raging inside me.

The courthouse loomed ahead, its imposing presence only intensifying my anxiety. I pushed through the heavy doors, my breaths coming in short gasps. My eyes darted around the dimly lit corridors, searching desperately for any sign of Timothy.

My heart skipped a beat when I finally caught sight of him, sitting forlornly in a jail cell, surrounded by cold, unforgiving bars.

"Timothy!" I called out, rushing towards him. Relief flooded through me at the sight of him, but it was quickly tainted by the sight of his bruises.

His eyes met mine, and a flicker of warmth illuminated his features as he walked over. "Evie," he said, his voice hoarse. "I'm glad you're here."

My hand reached out instinctively, longing to touch him, to reassure myself that he was alright, but the bars stood between us. I clenched them in my fists.

"I wish I could hold you right now," I murmured, my voice quivering with emotion.

Timothy's gaze softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I wish that too, Evie. But just seeing you here... it means everything to me."

Tears welled up in my eyes as I fought to maintain composure. "I'm sorry, Timothy. I wish I could represent you, fight for you... but I wouldn't be allowed to."

"It's alright," he reassured me, his voice steady despite the turmoil surrounding us. "My father has already forced another lawyer on me. They're working on getting me released on bail."

The mention of his father sent a shiver down my spine. The strained relationship between Timothy and his father was no secret, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that his involvement in Timothy's predicament ran deeper than anyone suspected.

"Timothy, do you think...?" I hesitated, not wanting to voice my darkest suspicions.

He understood my unspoken words, his expression grave. "I don't know, Evie."

"Please, take care of yourself in there," I pleaded, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll do everything I can to help get you out."

Timothy nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. "I will. And I know you’ll do everything you can. That’s what I love about you."

My heart ached as I gazed at him, locked behind the cold, unforgiving bars. “I love you too, and I swear I’ll make things right," I vowed, my voice trembling. "I promise."

Timothy's eyes met mine. "I just can’t believe how this happened. I should’ve never gone."

I briefly considered his words. If I’d known he was going there in the first place, maybe I could’ve convinced him to stay away?

"You did what you thought was right," I murmured. “And someone took advantage of that."

Timothy's jaw tensed, a flicker of anger burning in his eyes. "They're trying to destroy everything I've worked for, everything I stand for..."

"I'll do everything in my power to help," I vowed, my voice unwavering. "I won't let them win. You have my word, Timothy."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips, and he leaned toward the bars. "Thank you, Evie. For believing in me.”

“Back away from the bars, Hayes!” an officer barked behind us. We both jumped, startled as his yell echoed throughout the empty room.

Hesitantly, Timothy peeled himself away from the bars and stood at a distance. "Right. Enough about me,” he said drearily. “How did the interview go? Did it go well?"

I sighed, noting his desperation at changing the subject. "Overall, I guess it went well. But..."

Timothy's eyes searched mine, sensing the unspoken weight in my voice. "But what, Evie?"

I hesitated, grappling with the difficulty of the situation. "My mother... she was furious when she saw it. And I fear the repercussions. It might not just end with her. It could reach Stella's family too."

Timothy's expression softened, concern etched in his features. "I'm sorry, Evie. I never wanted any of this to affect you or anyone else."

"It's not your fault," I insisted, my voice filled with conviction. "I chose to stand by you because I know the truth. I believe in you, Timothy."

A heavy silence settled between us. But in that moment, a newfound determination blossomed within me. I wouldn't allow the slander and false accusations to break us.

“And I’m also responsible for all of this,” I continued. “I practically sold all of our business to the press with that Bette interview, which could’ve angered whoever is responsible for this. I already have my suspects.”

There was a chill in the air as we stood facing each other in the stark visiting room of the prison. His eyes bore into mine, his jaw tensing.

"Evie, you were just trying to do what you thought was right," Timothy said, breaking the heavy silence that enveloped us. "And I have my suspicions as well. I don't trust what the Fitzgerald family might have in store for you."

My heart sank at his words. "Timothy, I can handle it. I know how to handle these people."

He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "Evie, listen to me. I've used a bodyguard on multiple occasions, and he's trustworthy.”

I raised an eyebrow as he looked over my shoulder. I turned to the see that the officer watching over us had left the room. I gave Timothy a questioning look before he leaned in to whisper a phone number in my ear.

“That’s my uncle’s number,” he whispered. "Call him immediately and say it's a personal request from me."

My breath caught at the sudden intensity in his voice. "But, Timothy..."

"No 'buts', Evie," he interrupted firmly. "Please, for your safety. Promise me you'll call him."

I hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by his concern for my well-being. "I promise," I finally replied, using that chance to stroke his face. His growing stubble pricked my fingers.

Before we could delve further into our conversation, our peaceful visit was abruptly cut short by one of the guards marching in.

“Times up, ma’am,” he said, gesturing to the door.

The pang of anguish twisted in my chest as I stood up, forced away from Timothy once again. He seated himself back on the bench, watching hopelessly as I retreated.

"I'll help you," I pledged, my voice choked with emotion. "I won't give up."

As I walked out of the prison, it felt slightly easier to breathe. For Timothy’s sake, I would take his plea for my safety seriously. I wouldn’t do either of us any good if something happened to me as well.

Arriving home, I wasted no time. My fingers trembled as I dialed the number Timothy had given me. The phone rang, each tone feeling like an eternity until finally, a deep voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Um, hi," I stammered, my nerves getting the better of me. "I... I'm calling because Timothy Hayes suggested that I speak with you. He said it's a personal request for your help."