Chapter 129

The persistent rain had cast a gloomy pall over the city, and the melancholy atmosphere seeped into my very soul as I stared out

of the window, tracing the streams of water as they raced one another down the glass. The events of the past few weeks had left

me feeling adrift.

That afternoon, I was caught in the relentless cycle of Bruce’s manipulation. My phone buzzed repeatedly with calls from

anonymous numbers. I had grown accustomed to ignoring them, knowing that responding only fueled his perverse satisfaction.

The darkness of Bruce’s actions weighed heavily on my shoulders, and as I prepared to leave for the law firm, I chose attire that

would make me blend into the background, less noticeable to the prying eyes of my fellow employees. It was a sad reflection of

my life now—a shadowy existence where I had to hide.

The elegant fagade of my apartment building loomed before me as I stepped into the lobby. In the elevator, I could see the

reflection of a woman who bore little resemblance to the confident attorney I once was. The bags under my eyes told a story of

sleepless nights and endless worry, while the hollowness in my gaze mirrored the void that had become my heart.

Once more, I trudged through the drenched streets and toward Erickson’s law firm. My last conversation with his secretary had

been surprisingly fruitful. I could only hope that my next visit would produce similar results.

As I walked toward the firm’s entrance, I made a conscious effort to keep a low profile, to blend into the bustling crowd of lawyers

and their clients. I approached. Sarah’s desk, her familiar smile a pleasant sight

to see.

Her warm eyes met mine, however, and that smile quickly fell.

“Evie,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, “You're back?”

“Just for a little while, Sarah,” I assured her, my eyes darting around. Even seemed. to busy to concern themselves with the

haggard, soaked woman that had just walked in.

Sarah frowned deeply. “I’m so sorry about what happened last time. I wanted to help, but...”

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voice

and resigned. “It’s okay, Sarah. I

I cut her off with a heavy sigh, my understand. You have your own livelihood to think about.”

Sarah’s expression twisted with sympathy, and she leaned closer to me. “Did Erickson call you back here?”

I shook my head, my resolve hardening. “Actually, I wanted to continue our conversation from last time, if you’d be willing?

Sarah's eyes darted around nervously, as if afraid that someone might overhear our conversation. “Evie, I can’t keep doing this. I

could get fired for spreading false information.”

“But it's not false,” I said, more urgently. “Sarah, I understand the risks, but you’ve seen what he’s capable of. You know the truth,

and any evidence you provide could help get Erickson charged.”

Sarah bit her lip, clearly torn. “Evie, I want to help, but I’m scared. I have a family to support.”

I could see the fear in her eyes, the uncertainty about the future. I knew that I was asking her to take a tremendous risk, but I

also knew that without her testimony at the very least, I would remain trapped under Erickson’s thumb.

“Sarah, I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to protect you,” I assured her. “Erickson needs to be stopped, and we’re the

only ones who can expose the truth.”

Sarah sighed, her shoulders slumping with the weight of the decision. Just as she decision. Just as she was about to respond, a

chilling voice interrupted our conversation.

“Evie, what a surprise to see you here.”

My blood ran cold as I turned to face Erickson. Fear clenched at my chest as he. smirked. I had hoped to avoid him, to escape

his menacing presence, but fate had other plans.

I forced a tight smile, my voice trembling with a false confidence. “Mr. Erickson, I was just leaving.”

Erickson’s gaze bore into me, his eyes calculating. “I see you didn’t learn your learned your lesson from last time, Evie.”

I clenched my fists, my anger and frustration simmering beneath the surface. “I’m

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not the one who needs a lesson, Mr. Erikson.”

His laughter was like nails on a chalkboard, grating against my already frayed nerves. “You always did have a fiery spirit, Evie.

It's a shame you let it get you into so much trouble.”

I turned away from him, my heart pounding in my chest. “Goodbye, Mr. Erikson. I won't be coming back.”

As I walked away from the firm, I couldn’t help but wonder if I had made the right choice. Leaving my career behind was a painful

decision, but it was the only way to escape Erickson’s relentless torment. I had no idea where life would take me next, but I knew

that I had to find a way to support myself financially.

The old restaurant where I had once worked stood before me, a relie of a simpler time when I had been just a struggling

waitress. Bob, the owner, had always been kind to me, and the memories of my time there brought a bittersweet smile to my lips.

Pushing open the creaky door, I stepped into the cozy interior, the familiar scent. of comfort food and nostalgia enveloping me.

The patrons looked up in surprise. as I entered, their curious gazes making me feel like an intruder in my own past. I had come

running here before in a time of need, but it seemed my stay here. would be a bit more permanent.

Bob, a portly man with a white apron tied around his waist, emerged from the bustling kitchen, his eyes widening in astonishment

when he saw me. “Well, well, if it isn’t Evie. I thought you were a big—shot lawyer by now.”

I forced a chuckle, my heart heavy with the weight of my circumstances. “Life has a way of throwing curveballs, Bob.”

He approached me, his brow furrowed with concern. “What happened, Evie? You look like you’ve been through the wringer.”

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of how much to reveal. But Bob had always been kind to me, and I knew that I could trust him.

“I've had some... personal issues to

deal with.”

Bob nodded, his expression softening. “Well, you’re always welcome here, Evie.

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You know that.”

I managed a grateful smile. “Thank you, Bob. I appreciate it.”

He gestured to an empty booth, his tone warm and inviting. “Why don’t you sit down, Evie? We can catch up, and I'll see if we

can find a spot for you here until you figure things out.”

Relief washed over me, and I sank into the booth, the worn vinyl cushioning me like an old friend. The prospect of returning to

my former life as a waitress was humbling, but I knew that I needed the extra income to survive.

As Bob bustled about, taking orders and chatting with customers, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity of

my old life. The stress and chaos. of the law firm had driven me to the brink, and now, in the familiar surroundings of the

restaurant, I found a glimmer of solace.

When Bob returned to my table, he smiled once more. “Seems we're a bit short- staffed right now, and I could use some extra

help. How about I give you a few shifts to fill in until you figure things out?”

I nodded, gratitude welling up within me. “That would be great, Bob. Thank you for understanding.”

As I left the restaurant that evening, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. Returning to my old job was a humbling

experience, but it was also a lifeline, a way for me to regain some semblance of control over my life. The lower salary was a

small price to pay for my freedom from Erickson’s.

I just hoped that it wouldn't last.

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