Olivia answered, “I know. It was back at Sean’s place, wasn’t it?” Emerald smiled. “That’s right. You’re such a capable woman, Miss Maxwell. Not only are you a genius doctor, you are alsothe owner of a fashion studio.”
“Just trying to put food on the table,” Olivia, responded. Emerald looked a little fidgety as she continued with a smile, “You’re being modest, Miss Maxwell. I know you’re a brilliant woman, and I’m sure you know why I’m here. It’s about Nicole.” Olivia cocked her eyebrow. “Why would you come to me if this is about her?”
Emerald responded awkwardly, “To tell you the truth, her father had tried to see Eugene many times, but he wouldn’t grant him an audience.. So, I have no choice but to seek you out; I know you’re his girlfriend. Please, help us. Nicole’s usually a good girl. I have no idea why she would do this. Please, have mercy on her. I’ll keep her on a leash from now on. I…”
Tears welled in her eyes, and a lump formed in her throat. She had to compose herself for al moment before she could continue. “She’s my only daughter. If she gets jailed, it’s over for her.”
Olivia poured some tea for Emerald and consoled, “I know how you feel, Mrs. West. But Eugene’s mother is the victim here. The assassination almost killed her. Alex-Eugene’s best friend-was also badly injured when he tried to save Eugene’s mother. He’s still recovering as we speak. I’m just Eugene’s girlfriend. I don’t think it’d be appropriate of me to plead for Nicole.”
Emerald grabbed Olivia’s hand, and with a broken voice, she convinced, “I know, but I am left with no other choice. He likes you, so I’m sure he’ll listen to you. All Nicole did was provide a map of Promise Island. That’s not serious enough to be taken to court. We’re willing to settle this out of court at any price. Please, just tell him that. Please, I beg you.”
Olivia looked at Emerald calmly as she said, “Calm down, Mrs. West. I’m a parent as well. I can help you, but I make no promises. You think providing a map is nothing, but that’s the only reason the killers could make their way to Eugene’s mother without alerting the bodyguards. This was not something they did by chance. Nicole and Lara had planned this. It’s an attempted murder, which is why Eugene is livid.
“You think putting Nicole through the court is bad? Eugene only agreed to bring her in by the book for your sake. He could have gone with a far more brutal method in the first place. You weren’t at the scene, so you had no idea how furious he was to see his friends get hurt from trying to save his mother. And his mother almost died. Would you let the killer and their accomplice off if you were in his shoes?”
Emerald kept crying. “S-She was just duped, that’s all. I have no idea why she’d work with Lara. That woman is obviously evil. She must have tricked Nicole into this.”
Olivia pulled out a tissue and handed it to her. “Here, wipe your tears!” Emerald then stood up. “Miss Maxwell, you’re a good person. Tell Eugene I can do anything as long as he doesn’t sue Nicole.”
Olivia answered, “Sure, I’ll tell him that, but don’t hold your breath.” Tears streamed down Emerald’s cheeks once again as she said, “I know. Thank you for the help.” With that, she exited the studio..
