CH.14

The people in the crowd gasped in shock as President Bolting's fist connected with Alex Montgomery's face.

A hushed murmur rippled through the gathered spectators as they witnessed the leader of their nation losing his composure in such a violent display.

Alex staggered back, clutching his jaw, but the smirk never left his face. In fact, it seemed to widen into a satisfied grin as he straightened and squared his shoulders, seemingly relishing in the president's loss of control.

This was exactly the reaction he had been aiming to provoke.

President Bolting stood heaving with fists still clenched at his sides as he glared daggers at the younger man.

The once immaculate suit was now in disarray, while his perfectly styled hair was now unkempt. It was clear that Alex's taunts had shattered the carefully constructed image of composure he presented to the world.

The murmurs grew louder as phone cameras began documenting the scandalous scene.

President Bolting could sense the scrutiny from all directions, as people questioned whether this situation confirmed the rumors about his erratic behavior and incompetence.

His eyes flickered momentarily to the press pavilion, imagining the field day they would have with this footage.

Alex seemed to read his mind. "Going to lock them all up too, Mr. President?" he goaded, touching his split lip gingerly. "We both know this little tantrum is going to be plastered all over the news. Your reimagine is about to take a big, big hit."

President Bolting's jaw muscles bulged as he ground his teeth. He had never experienced such a profound sense of powerlessness, feeling utterly incapable of countering the smug and exasperating adversary who had ensnared his daughter and was systematically dismantling everything he had built.

He opened his mouth, struggled to find the right words as his mind raced to regain control of the situation. But in that moment, he realized the futility of trying to articulate his thoughts. What could he possibly say?

With a dull roar filling his ears, all he could do was stand in stunned silence as Alex's chuckle cut through the clamor like a knife.

The taunting smirk seemed to further ignite the fury blazing in President Bolting's eyes. "You smug bastard," the man spat through clenched teeth. "You think you've won, don't you? That by dragging my name through the mud, you'll finally have your revenge on me and my family?"

Alex casually wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. "Revenge is such an ugly word, Mr. President. Let's just say I'm righting the wrongs done to my family. Starting with stealing back what's rightfully mine - your precious empire and your daughter."

President Bolting recoiled as if struck. "You lay one finger on Serena again and I'll--"

"You'll what?" Alex cut him off with a derisive laugh. "We're married, in case you've forgotten. Legally, she's my wife now. You have no power over her...or me."

The crowd's murmurs grew louder as cameras continued flashing, eagerly devouring every salacious detail of the unfolding drama.

President Bolting could practically see his political career crumbling before his eyes.

Squaring his shoulders, he leveled Alex with a scathing look. "This isn't over. Not by a longshot. Mark my words, I will expose you for the snake you are. And when I'm done, you'll have lost everything."

The cold, vindictive promise seemed to amuse Alex. "We'll see about that...Mr. President."

The President pivoted swiftly and marched back into the waiting limousine. One of his vigilant bodyguards stood by, holding the car door wide open for him to enter.

--

The cacophony of news channels filled the air, each one clamoring to report on the scandal of the day.

President Bolting felt a gnawing curiosity within him, eager yet apprehensive to know what they were saying about his daughter, Serena.

"Turn up the volume!" He commanded in a voice that reverberated with authority and anxiety.

"Right away, sir!" One of his bodyguards promptly obeyed, amplifying the sound that echoed inside the luxurious limousine.

The television screen descended smoothly from its hidden compartment, revealing a panel of women seated around a table, their faces animated as they dissected Serena's ongoing scandal.

"News reached us that Serena Bolting, President Bolting's own flesh and blood was arrested today!" A woman swathed in a vibrant crimson coat leaned into her companion, her eyes wide with an intoxicating mix of shock and thrill. "They're saying she was engaged in illegal activities; they even found evidence on her!"

President Bolting felt his fists clench involuntarily as if trying to physically hold back his rising anger. An overwhelming urge to defend his daughter surged through him like a tidal wave crashing against a rocky shore.

"For God's sake," he thought bitterly, wrestling with his mounting frustration. "She wasn't involved in any illegal activities! Can't they get their facts straight before spouting off?"

He knew better than to let emotions dictate his actions. Not when there was an unfolding scandal where any wrong move could potentially seal Serena’s fate for good.

A restless sigh escaped from him as he sank back into the plush headrest of the limousine. His hand held onto his phone like it was a lifeline - waiting impatiently for that call which could bring some clarity amidst this chaos.

Earlier whispers and stares from people had pierced through his presidential facade like finely honed daggers leaving behind deep wounds of vulnerability and exposure.

Another woman's voice floated over from the television, her tone dripping with conspiracy. "I always knew that girl had a dark side."

"I actually heard it was murder!" Yet another voice chimed in, her sensational revelation sending gasps of disbelief rippling through the rest.

"And to think she looked so innocent! Who would've guessed such malevolence lurked beneath that facade?" The woman seated next to the last speaker added, her voice heavy with feigned astonishment.

President Bolting felt his anger and frustration surging again like a tempest within him. How quick these people were to judge Serena without even knowing all the facts! However, he couldn't afford to lose his focus at this crucial moment. His sole objective was to exonerate Serena, no matter what it took.

He dialled another number, clinging onto hope like a man lost at sea clings on to driftwood. Every call was met with awkward greetings and vague promises… no one seemed willing or able to give him a straight answer.