CH.25

An ominous silence fell over the sleek, black van as it pulled up to the towering courthouse.

Serena's chest tightened when her gaze landed on the seething crowd that outnumbered even the ravenous one they'd escaped at the police station.

An array of angry faces blended together, bound by their shared animosity and stoking one another's rage like a roaring inferno.

Serena swallowed hard. She had faced her share of obsessive fans and paparazzi frenzies, but this...this was different. These were mobs vying for her blood.

Her delicate fingers trembled as she clutched the door handle, steeling herself to face the barrage of hateful words that was sure to come.

"Just keep your head down and let us do our job." a gruff voice beside her muttered.

Serena took a deep breath and gave a curt nod, stepping aside to let them lead her out onto the steps.

A thunderous bellow burst from the mob, sending a wave of hateful words hurtling towards her as a barrage of venomous allegations and derogatory remarks fell.

"Murderer!"

"You'll rot in hell!"

"Give us justice!"

Serena flinched with each barb. Her head lowered as she continued on her way while being surrounded by a human barrier built by dozens of cops.

Kate squeezed Serena's trembling hand, offering a reassuring anchor amid the swirling chaos. Her warm brown eyes shone with a fierce loyalty. "I'm right here with you, hon. Just breathe."

Kate's steady presence calmed Serena's frayed nerves, allowing her to manage a small nod. The smell of perspiration and anger filled her lungs as she took a big breath through her nose.

Focus. She had to focus.

The officers parted briefly, and they were ushered through the looming oak doors of the courthouse.

Suddenly, a feral cry shattered the stillness. A dishevelled woman broke through the security line, her matted hair flying wildly.

Her hands sprung out at an unexpected speed, tangling in Serena's two-toned tresses and pulling savagely.

Agony ripped through Serena's scalp as she was hauled backwards. She couldn't stifle the piercing scream that tore from her throat in terror.

Instinctively, her hands clawed at the vice-like grip, but the attacker's strength was fueled by madness.

"Murderer! You took a mother’s child from her! I'll make you suffer for what you did!" The woman's hate-contorted face filled Serena's blurring vision, spittle flying as she unleashed a torrent of curses.

Serena was aware of the thunder of approaching footsteps, shouts and commotion exploding around them. But all she could comprehend was the hellish agony searing her scalp and skull relentlessly.

Strong arms encircled her attacker and wrenched her away.

Serena crumpled to the floor, finally free of the torment while sobbing uncontrollably as she cradled her throbbing head.

"Serena! Are you alright?" Kate rushed to her side. Without waiting for a response, she draped a protective arm around the distraught woman's shoulders.

Serena barely registered her manager’s presence. Her mind was still reeling from the vicious attack.

How could that woman, that innocent looking older lady, have such unspeakable rage within her? She had looked at Serena with the same revulsion one would a rabid animal.

The cacophony around them swelled as the crowd outside caught wind of the commotion. A rumbling chorus of jeers and profanities rained down. The atmosphere became increasingly charged and hostile.

"Witch!”

“Monster!”

“You deserve to rot!"

Serena flinched at the hate that felt as though her heart was constricting painfully. These were the same people who had once adored her, who had clamored for her attention and idolized her every move. Now their hatred blistered her skin like acid.

Two burly guards materialized with grim expressions. "Ma'am, we need to get you inside immediately before this situation escalates further."

Serena allowed them to haul her to her feet because her limbs felt heavy and uncooperative.

Kate remained glued to her side. They advanced, the guards in the lead, their massive frames providing protection for Serena.

The jeering intensified into a deafening roar as they crossed the threshold into the courthouse.

Kate's hold on Serena's arm held firm despite a barrage of profanities and curses directed at them.

They finally made their way out of the braying crowd and into the vast main hall. But no sooner had they found sanctuary than a new horror unfolded.

Serena's breath caught in her throat when her gaze landed on Alex. He was at the front, his back rigidly straight, hands clasped in front of him while he spoke with a perfectly dressed man next to him, who was probably his attorney.

A whirlwind of feelings swept over her. Anger, hurt, betrayal...they all surged within her like a violent storm.

This was the man she had planned to build a life with, the one person she thought she could trust above all others. Yet he had proven himself her greatest betrayer.

Their eyes met across the room, and something flickered in Alex's expression. Regret, maybe, or a glimmer of the love they had once shared. But it was quickly shuttered behind an impassive mask.

"Serena Bolting!" The momentary stalemate was shattered by a guttural scream.

All heads swiveled toward the voice. A woman was on her feet and her face contorted in a rictus of rage. It was Diana's mother, Judith Delaney.

"You heartless beast!" she shrieked, barging forward with startling speed for a woman her age.

The room seemed to freeze as Judith closed the distance with frightening determination. Before the guards could react, her nails were raking across Serena's cheek, tearing burning furrows into her flesh.

"You killed my baby! "My beautiful Diana! How could you?!" The torrent of abuse rained down in time with each vicious swipe.

Serena cried out, recoiling from the onslaught with her arms shielding her face. Hands grabbed hold of her and heard Kate cry out in fear.

Then, as abruptly as it began, it was over. Judith was being wrestled away, still thrashing and screeching like a wild animal trapped in a trap.

Clutching her torn cheek, Serena felt the sting of tears mingling with the blood weeping from the gashes. This woman, this mother who had once embraced her as a second daughter, now looked on Serena with the same revulsion one would a rabid animal.

The shock was slowly giving way to a soul-deep anguish. How had everything spiraled so devastatingly out of control in the span of a single day?