CHAPTER 349: ANOTHER STORM

Georgia’s POV

Two weeks passed in what felt like a blur of long hearings, tense silences, and quiet prayers. The court proceedings for Reagan’s criminal case stretched longer than expected, longer than anyone had anticipated.

And if I’m being honest, I had a strong feeling Nick and Oliver had something to do with that. Neither of them ever admitted it, of course, but the way things were unfolding... it had their fingerprints all over it.

After Nick told me everything that happened between him and Reagan, he didn’t rush his decision. He said he needed time to think, and I respected that. Justice and forgiveness aren’t things you can weigh overnight. And though it was a criminal case, it was still tied to both Nick’s and my brother David’s cases; any appeal or letter from either side could influence the court’s final judgment.

The delay in the verdict told me that Oliver probably pulled a few strings, quietly, subtly, and in line with whatever decision Nick eventually made in his heart.

And today... Today was the day we’d find out the result.

Nick finally allowed me to come with him, saying I was strong enough now to face everything, to close that painful Chapter together.

When we arrived at the courthouse, the air was heavy, the kind that made you hold your breath without realizing it. Violet was already there with Sarah, both looking pale and tense, while Benjamin and Liam sat in the same row, calm and unreadable as always.

Vicky and Oliver came with us for support; she said she wouldn’t miss this for the world. We quietly took our seats behind the Knights. Nick and Vicky each reached out, gently patting Benjamin and Violet’s arms, silently letting them know we were there.

Moments later, the door opened, and Reagan was escorted in. My breath hitched.

He was wearing an elegant suit, probably Violet bought it for the occasion, but nothing could hide the toll prison had taken on him. His face looked thinner, older, haunted, even, compared to the pictures that Vicky had shown me before.

Yet there was something different in his eyes. A strange peace. A surrender that didn’t feel like defeat, but maybe... acceptance.

And as the judge’s gavel echoed through the room, I couldn’t help but reach for Nick’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Whatever the verdict would be, I knew we’d face it together, with hearts finally ready to heal.

Everyone held their breath as the jury foreperson adjusted his glasses and began to read the decision in a firm, measured tone.

"After careful deliberation of all the presented evidence, testimonies, and mitigating circumstances, this Court finds the defendant, Mr. Reagan Knight, guilty of the charges filed against him.

However, considering his voluntary cooperation, his mental and emotional condition during the incidents in question, and the appeals from both sides of the families involved, the Court hereby sentences him to three (3) years imprisonment, a fine of seven million dollars ($7,000,000.00) payable to the dependent of the late David Lewis, and five (5) months of community service to be rendered throughout his sentence."

The sound of paper shifting and restrained sobs filled the room. Violet’s trembling hand flew to her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Sarah broke into quiet sobs beside her, and even Benjamin’s stoic expression finally cracked, his eyes glistening as he bowed his head in silent relief.

It wasn’t freedom, but it wasn’t the long and heavy sentence they feared. It was mercy.

I turned toward Reagan. His eyes glistened too, not with despair, but with gratitude. Slowly, his gaze shifted to Nick. For a brief moment, their eyes met across the room, two men bound by pain, history, and redemption. Reagan gave him a faint, thankful smile. Nick nodded once, his lips curving into the slightest, bittersweet smile in return.

When the judge declared the session adjourned, chaos followed. Violet and Sarah rushed to Reagan the moment the guards loosened his restraints. Violet reached him first, pulling him into a tight embrace as she cried against his chest.

"I’m so sorry," Reagan whispered hoarsely. "For everything."

"No," Violet shook her head fiercely, cupping his face. "You’ve already paid enough. You even paid for my sins. Just... come back to us safe and sound, okay?"

Then she turned to Sarah, giving her a small, understanding nod before stepping aside.

Sarah approached Reagan, tears still glistening on her lashes, but her expression firm.

He managed a faint smile despite his trembling voice.

"I’m sorry, Sarah... I can’t marry you next year," he said with a dry laugh. "As you can see, I’ll be in jail. Please don’t wait for me. Find someone better, someone who’ll cherish you and treat you the way you deserve, not a criminal like me."

Before he could say more, Sarah covered his mouth with her hand, glaring at him through her tears.

"Shut up! And you—listen to me, you old man!"

Everyone in the courtroom froze. Even the judge, who was halfway out the door with the prosecutors, turned around to watch the scene unfold.

Sarah’s voice trembled but grew steadier with every word.

"Three years is not long. In fact, it’s perfect. In three years, I can finish all my certifications and training for my captain’s license. I’ll visit you every time I dock, and I’ll even send someone on weekends so we can video call.

When you get out, we’ll get married. We’ll buy a huge house together and start our family. Then you’ll take over our business as CEO, while I sit, stay still, and look pretty. Okay? Is that a deal?" she proudly said with wide eyes and a huge smile on her face while still sobbing.

The entire courtroom erupted into soft chuckles at her last words—even the guards smiled faintly. Reagan laughed through his tears, shaking his head.

"Deal," he whispered, voice cracking. "Let’s do that."

Sarah threw her arms around him and kissed him, not caring who was watching. The guards hesitated, giving them one last moment before leading Reagan away.

And when it was finally time for him to go through the door and face his sentence, the laughter faded into quiet sniffles and sighs. I felt Nick’s arm slip around my shoulders, his thumb rubbing gentle circles on my arm.

For a moment, it felt like the end of something heavy... yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t over.

Because just as the courtroom emptied, a clerk rushed in and whispered something to the judge. The man’s expression hardened before he glanced briefly in Nick and Oliver’s direction.

Oliver whispered to Nick, but I heard it as well. "He’s the same judge who will handle our appeal to reopen David’s case."

Nick didn’t say anything, but the heavy sigh he released was enough for me to know that we’re about to face another storm.