THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 434: Know Someone

The judge’s gaze swept through the courtroom, his face grim as it settled on Dolly, then moved back to his notes for a moment before delivering his final judgment.

"Given the heinous nature of these crimes and the clear danger the defendant poses to society, this court has no choice but to impose the maximum penalty."

"I hereby sentence Dr Dolly Thompson to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole."

As the judge passed his judgment, the color drained completely from Dolly’s face. She took a staggering step back, almost collapsing, but the guards at her side held her up.

A collective murmur rose from the crowd, though it was more an exhale of anticipation than true surprise as there had been little doubt about what the sentence would be.

Steffan closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if finally allowing himself to breathe again. He felt Lauren’s hand tighten around his, and turned to stare at her. "It’s finally over," he whispered to which Lauren nodded in relief.

Where she was seated, Cheryl remained composed, though there was a quiet satisfaction in the victory. She nodded respectfully toward the judge, and then toward the jury... another win added to her numerous victories and still counting.

Mr Callaghan though he had expected that outcome still felt every hope he once had slipping further away with each word pronounced by the judge. He visibly slumped in his chair, rubbing his temples.

"Court is adjourned," the judge said, slamming his gavel one last time before rising to leave.

And that was when Dolly seemed to wake up from her daze. Her mouth opened as though she wanted to scream, but no sound came out.

She looked directly at Steffan, her eyes wide and crazed, as if hoping that he’d intervene and make the judge take back everything that had been said.

But Steffan’s cold, resolute gaze seemed to echo the judge’s gavel that had hit the table as he announced that the case was over.

"No... no, this can’t be happening," Dolly muttered under her breath. "Life imprisonment?! No. It can’t be..." Her voice grew louder and even frantic. "I am not guilty. I can’t go to prison!"

Soon, her voice rose into a piercing shriek. "You’re all lying! Every one of you!" She pointed a shaking finger at the jury, then at Cheryl, whose expression could not do enough justice to the disdain she felt inside for the mistake of a woman raving like a lunatic.

This irked Dolly behinds words, so much so that when the guards moved to take her away, she jerked violently, trying to free herself from their grip.

"No! You can’t take me away! You can’t let them take me away, Steffan! I love you! I love you, Steffan! I did everything for us. Please don’t let them take me away..."

As she was forcibly dragged from the courtroom, her face contorted with fury. She suddenly turned fiercely in Lauren’s direction. "Don’t think this is over, bitch! Steffan is mine. He can only be mine! I’ll come for you and I’ll make sure you regret this!"

Lauren didn’t flinch as Dolly’s venomous words rang out across the courtroom. There was no fear in her eyes, only pity as she instinctively tightened her grip on Steffan’s hand. Steffan, though, remained silent, watching Dolly with clenched jaws as she was dragged away screaming like a woman possessed..

Cheryl, on the other hand, watched the scene with a detached air. It wasn’t the first time she had seen a criminal lash out in the face of their defeat.

But there was something particularly gratifying about watching Dolly fall apart, knowing how much damage she had tried to inflict on her dear friend. Cheryl’s only response was a slow, measured blink, as if dismissing Dolly’s words as the final desperate thrashes of a cornered animal.

As Dolly was finally out of sight, the courtroom seemed to breathe again and Lauren walked over to Cheryl.

"It’s over, isn’t it?" She said softly, almost as if she couldn’t believe it.

Cheryl nodded, glancing toward the door where Dolly had been escorted. "For now, yes. But people like Dolly... they never let things go easily. Even from prison, I wouldn’t be surprised if she tries to make trouble."

Lauren frowned but didn’t argue because it was the sad truth. Does that mean she’ll have to always be on the lookout for Dolly for the rest of her life? That was not a good thing.

"I’ll make sure she never bothers anyone, least of all you for the rest of her life," Killian said calmly as he draped a hand over Lauren’s shoulder.

Cheryl darted a glance at Killian and couldn’t help but step back a little. There was something ominous about the way his words sounded in her ears and an indescribable pity rose in her heart for Dolly. ’Dolly’s remaining days on earth were definitely going to be very eventful,’ she murmured to herself.

She’d had a teeny-weeny glimpse of who he was these past few weeks she’s been working with him, and she’d promised herself never to be his enemy, not even for a second.

Unaware of her friend’s impression about her brother, Lauren snuggled into Killian’s reassuring embrace and nodded. She didn’t know why but she believed him and all her earlier fears from Dolly’s outburst melted away.

As the courtroom was slowly clearing out, Mr Callaghan remained seated at his table, his hands clasped in front of him.

Slowly, he stood and gathered his papers into his briefcase. His movements were robotic and he couldn’t help but feel it was the same way he was going to gather his mother’s lifeless body any time from now.

Seeing his state, Cheryl cast him one last glance, but she didn’t approach him this time. But as she got to the door, her conscience wouldn’t let her. She sighed and turned back into the room.

"It’s just a case... not the end of the world," she said as soon as she was close enough to be heard by him alone.

"Unfortunately, it is for me, Ms Moore. A life depended on this case.. an important one at that."

"So are you ready to share? Maybe I could help."

Mr Callaghan’s head jerked up in shock. "Are you serious?" he asked enthusiastically but almost immediately, his excitement gave way to despondency. "It’s already too late."

"What’s too late and why is it?" When Mr Callaghan still said nothing, Cheryl handed over her complementary card to him.

"Call me when you’re ready to talk," she said and walked away without giving Mr Callaghan another look.

Mr Callaghan sat in silence, the small piece of paper clutched in his trembling hands. He stared at it, his mind racing, wondering if there was still a chance left.

But what could a lawyer do to help his sick mother?

If the situation involved a criminal case or a lawsuit, he’d be over the moon to receive Ms Moore’s card but he needed a doctor competent enough to connect him to the only person who could treat his mother, not a lawyer like himself.

But come to think of it, Ms Moose was such an accomplished lawyer who had won several cases and is held in high esteem by both the high and mighty and even the poor as she never discriminates against any case.

Maybe she might know someone who knows someone, who knows someone, that can link him to the person he wanted.