Chapter 178
Naomi was surprised to see Brendan approaching. He reached to tousle her hair before gently pulling her into an embrace.
“You did well,” he murmured.
Brendan was impressed by Naomi’s dedication and earnest defense of her client. She was serious and solemn in the courtroom, a far cry from the cheerful and carefree Naomi he knew.
Seeing Naomi’s profound respect for the law, Brendan couldn’t help but wonder if she had really caused
the fire.
Naomi smiled in response to Brendan’s encouragement. “Thank you!”
This was the first time Brendan had witnessed Naomi in action ever since she began practicing law. When Michael and the rest caught sight of Brendan, they were curious but decided not to probe further.
During their earlier meeting at the resort, Michael had sensed something was amiss but refrained from
delving deeper.
After exchanging pleasantries with Brendan and Naomi, Michael and the rest headed back to the law firm.
When Brendan offered Naomi a ride, she expressed her wish to visit Charles. Hence, Brendan went with her to the prison. In the past, Ronald had always accompanied Naomi wherever she wanted to go.
Half an hour later, Naomi arrived at the prison. Despite Charles having just been escorted back to prison, the staff allowed him to meet with Naomi.
Naomi and Charles shared a bond deeper than that of mere lawyer and client.
Observing her prompt arrival, Charles had guessed that Naomi was concerned about his emotional well- being. Therefore, he assured her by saying, “Ms. Goodwin, thank you, I’m content to have an additional two years to live.”
In truth, the two years held little significance for Charles; there wasn’t much difference between dying today or tomorrow.
Naomi’s eyes brimmed with resolve upon hearing Charles‘ words. “Charles, we may have more than two years. We must not lose hope.”
Charles widened his eyes as he struggled to grasp Naomi’s meaning.
Then, she continued, “If you demonstrate good behavior during this two–year observation period and show no signs of criminal intent, we can request a sentence reduction. And if you continue to exhibit good conduct or perform acts of merit, we can put in a request for your release from jail.
“Even though we may still have to remain in prison for over twenty years, there’s still a chance for us to witness the beauty this world has to offer. Charles, there are plenty of meaningful things to do and good- hearted people out there,
“We shouldn’t live our lives consumed by hatred and sorrow; we should embrace the joy and beauty
Chapter 178
around us. So, I hope you can muster up the strength to remain hopeful for what lies ahead.”
As Naomi spoke to Charles, she consistently referred to both of them in their future endeavors. Charles‘ eyes welled with tears as he looked at Naomi.
It was as though he could see the future she described, where he would encounter kind people and undergo positive experiences.
Charles nodded enthusiastically and smiled. “Ms. Goodwin, I promise to work hard. I will remain hopeful.”
He believed in everything Naomi had described, in the goodness of both people and experiences. After all, Naomi was the best thing that happened to him.
Then, Charles looked at Naomi with a serious expression and said, “I hope that one day I’m able to treat you to a meal with the money I earn, Ms. Goodwin.”
Naomi chuckled and reached out to clasp Charles‘ hand. “I’ll be looking forward to it.” She then went on to offer Charles words of encouragement and guidance.
As their time together drew to a close, Naomi said, “I’ll bring along some books and a dictionary on my next visit. You can read them in your spare time.”