CH. 33

The young lady lifted her head and locked gaze with Serena.

Her lips were pressed into a tight, colorless line, and her sunken eyes were ringed with dark circles that made her look decades older than her years.

Serena felt her stomach twist into knots at the bitter spark that flared behind the unshed tears glistening in those hazel eyes.

A self-mocking smile tugged at the corners of Serena's mouth as realization dawned, cold and harsh. Why had she never seen it before? Why had she not noticed that adorable little girl she had called her sister was nothing more than a talented actress?

"Miss Bolting, you have been called to testify regarding the allegations leveled against Ms Serena Bolting," the judge stated in that same bored tone he'd used all trial. "I must remind you that you are under oath, and any false statements will be treated as perjury under the law. Do you understand?"

The witness gave a barely perceptible nod with her eyes downcast.

"Very well," the judge contin