Chapter 5

Flashlights were on and the cameras were rolling. The reporters were on standby, awaiting Oscar's presence.

Oscar on the other hand, adjusted his tie and placed his cellphone into his suit pocket.

He turned to Mayra who was busy operating on her laptop and asked.

"Is everything set, Mayra?"

"Yes Sir! The guards are on standby so you have nothing to worry about"

He nodded. " Let's go then"

Mayra stepped out and pulled the door for him. He stepped out and the guards shielded the reporters from getting close to him.

He had officially set up a conference so he could clear up his name. About a month ago when he was accused, he had kept away from the public.

Being as influential as he is, his business associates were demanding answers and some kept pulling out of business deals.

The press conference was necessary, to tell the public who exactly is the culprit and also clear his name.

Getting signaled by Mayra that the stage is ready, he walked up stage as confident as ever while waiting for the questions to begin.

"My name is Oscar Williams, CEO of Ever-White Company. You all know the reason why this press conference was organized. The floor is open, please go ahead and ask your questions.."

He spoke into the microphone, heaving in a deep breath.

*Being this influential, how do you feel being accused of murder?*

His first question was thrown and he gave a brief and simple response.

" I must say it was shocking!"

*Then how do you feel to know that your girlfriend attempted to murder Ms Katie Roland? Do you say she was jealous or what?*

"Jealousy could be the main reason though, I wouldn't know!..." He said and paused. "Being a countryside woman, she must have been low minded. I'm just glad she admitted to her crimes and is being punished by the law!"

*Then would you make it up to Ms Katie Roland by getting married to her once she's out of Coma? She was your ex girlfriend right, Mr Oscar?*

That caught Oscar off guard. As much, he really wasn't expecting such question. He was quiet, his eyes searching through the crowd of reporters.

What should he say? Would he?.. or would he not?

"Please answer the question Mr Oscar!"

His thoughts were interrupted.

"I honestly can not make a rash decision right now. Let's just hope for her quick recovery" He responded smoothly.

The reporters did not stop throwing questions after questions and the words that left Oscar's lips, are those that would totally paint him innocent.

________________

Althea pulled her eyes open to find herself in an unfamiliar environment. She groaned while pulling herself up from the bed.

Looking around, she met a lady whose back was turned against her and she was wearing a white coat as though she was was doctor.

"Where am I? " She asked, making the doctor turn around upon hearing her question.

"Where else?, if not the prison clinic?" The doctor responded rudely and walked up to her, pushing her back the bed.

Althea did not say a word as she just let the doctor run the final check ups on her.

Just by looking at the doctor, she could tell she's mean and wouldn't dare asking further questions.

She felt better than how she had remembered. The pains had all gone down but still, she would never forget what her inmates did to her.

The wardens are all ruthless! How can they whip her mercilessly just because her inmates accused her of starting up a fight?

"I have examined you properly, you're free to go!" She said, turning around and taking off her gloves.

Althea got up.

"Aren't there medications? Like pain relief or something?" She couldn't help but ask.

She was badly beaten and whipped like a slave. Her body and muscles still aches a bit, should she just leave without medicines?.

"This isn't the fancy medical clinics in town. This is prison Lady, you don't expect to be treated like a princess"

Althea sighed unbelievably. "This is so unbelievable" She mumbled underneath her breath.

So what if someone needs a serious medical attention, are they just gonna let them die just because they can't administer enough care for criminals, is that it?

She walked out of the clinic slowly but bumped into someone just when she stepped out.

"You're awake so soon " The middle aged man said to her.

She gazed at him, recalling him as the warden who had saved her from being ruthlessly whipped by the other wardens.

Not a word from her. She had no idea what to say as everyone seems evil towards her. Who knows, he might be here to give her more punishment for starting up a fight.

"I'm Warden Zheng and I must apologize for the insolent behaviors of the wardens who had beaten you up mercilessly. That was a harsh punishment for a young lady as you!"

Althea gazed at him, unable to believe that he just apologized. She couldn't believe it but still, it was coming from the head Warden.

"How do you feel? I brought you over as soon as you collapsed"

He asked, genuine concern written all over his face. But Althea battled if he is actually concerned or just faking it and making mockery of her - She did not respond.

"C'mon, I'll walk you back to your Ward" He said.

She moved ahead, while he moved right behind her.

When they had walked a few distance, she turned suddenly.

"Thank you for bringing me over to the clinic.." Her voice came out low.

"You looked exhausted, I had to do what I had to to see you okay. Besides, you should avoid getting in trouble with your inmates, they could be dangerous at times.."

"I didn't start the fight, I promise..." She defended herself.

"I know, but who would want to believe that? We wardens believe the first things we see and hear.."

" So what do you have me do? Become their slave?"

" If that's what gets you out of danger. Most of the inmates you see here went through that phase and that's what made them strong today"

Althea scoffed loudly. Turning around, she was about leave when Warden Zheng spoke up again.

"You have such an innocent face, So I find it hard to believe you actually attempted to murder someone. Did you actually try to do that?"

Althea wondered why he would ask such questions? Why would he bother to know if she did that or not? Would that get her out of prison ?

Without responding, she hastily walked away from Warden Zheng. Getting back to her cell, she met her inmates.

Her eyes roamed each one of them as they gazed back at her. She gazed intently at the red haired lady and she didn't fail to let her grudge visible, the lady had a smirk on as well, one that pissed Althea off.

Slowly, she walked to her space, got on her bed and laid down, facing the wall. How would she avoid them when they're keen on making her life miserable?