CH.34

Serena had always been proud of her tenacity and unrelenting drive to excel in the face of adversity. But looking around at the sea of empathetic and reproachful expressions, she felt like she was fighting a losing battle.

This was her own flesh and blood, her baby sister in everything but name, who had distorted the truth so thoroughly, so utterly, that Serena could barely recognize the broken young lady in front of her.

Her gaze shifted to Alex, sitting across the aisle with an inscrutable mask that revealed no sign of the thoughts or intents seething beneath his frigid eyes.

A new wave of nausea gripped Serena's already-roiling stomach at the thought of what fresh hell he might have in store for her.

"Order! Miss Walker, please take the witness stand.” The judge said.

A tense quiet fell over the room once more as every eye turned towards the front, where Kate made her way to the witness stand.

There was a grim resolution burning in her expression, her steps measured and unhurried.

Kate placed her hand on the Bible. “I Kate Walker solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God.” Then she lifted her chin and met the Judge’s cold stare head-on.

"Miss Walker, please describe your relationship with the defendant, Miss. Serena Bolting," Jenkins prompted in a tone that brooked no argument.

"I've been Serena's manager since she made her debut. We've worked closely together through her meteoric rise to fame and all the ups and downs that came with it." Kate replied.

Jenkins gave a curt nod. "And in that time, have you ever known Ms. Bolting to be a violent person? To resort to any form of physical aggression or harm against others?"

Kate shook her head. "Never. Serena is one of the most composed, hardworking individuals I've ever met. Even in highly charged, high-pressure situations, she remains the epitome of grace and poise."

Her gaze found Serena's then and held it with an intensity that seemed to steady Serena's shredded nerves, if only for a moment. "I can state, without a single shred of doubt, that violence of any kind is utterly contrary to her nature. Serena is innocent of these charges. I would stake my life on that fact." Kate stated.

Serena felt a lump form in her throat at the utter certainty in Kate's voice. Her manager's unfailing faith and support was a rare bright spot in the gloom that threatened to engulf her whole after the betrayals, accusations, the harsh judgments and vicious lies.

Jenkins began pacing slowly before the witness stand, his hands clasped behind his back in a deceptively relaxed pose. "So, you're asserting that in your decade-long relationship with the defendant, you've never once witnessed her lose her temper? Become aggressive, out of control, or display even the slightest hint of violent tendencies?"

"That's correct," Kate replied without hesitation. "I've seen Serena handle immense pressure, vicious criticism, attacks on her character and credibility with incredible poise and restraint. Violence, lashing out, aggression of any kind...it's simply not in her nature. Not the woman I know."

The slightest of smiles tugged at the corners of Jenkins' mouth, though his eyes remained hard as flint. "No further questions, Your Honor."

The judge gave a solemn nod. "Thank you, Miss Walker. You may step down."

The judge thumped his gavel again as Kate got down and walked back to her seat.

"We'll take a one-hour recess before proceeding with closing arguments from both sides." His steely glare seemed to bore into each person present for a long moment before he turned on his heel and strode out with his robes billowing behind him.

Serena's heart raced, knowing full well that whatever happened after that terrible break would probably determine her future, her very freedom.

Kate's reassuring hand came to rest on her arm as the mass of onlookers, reporters, and curious spectators began to disperse in a dull murmur of voices.

"Come on, let's get somewhere private," Kate murmured as she guided Serena to her feet.

Jenkins led them through a side hallway to a tiny conference room that served as a makeshift haven from the mayhem.

Serena pressed her hands together tightly, trying to calm herself down once the door closed behind them.

"You were brilliant up there," Jenkins stated, turning to Kate with a smile. "Truthful testimony like that could swing this in our favor."

Kate offered a wry smile. "I just told it like it is. Serena's one of the good ones."

Jenkins sighed heavily. He took a seat, motioning for the others to join him. His expression was somber and tinged with resignation. He'd been considering his next move since the trial began.

Those people offered to help Serena get justice, but at what cost? They were dangerous people, and Serena ought to steer clear of them.

"Serena, I need to be fully transparent with you," he began. "Despite Kate's compelling testimony, the prosecution has built a formidable case against you. The evidence they've amassed is..." He shook his head slowly.

Serena felt dread creeping in. She clasped her trembling hands together in her lap. "What are you trying to say, Jenkins?"

He met her gaze levelly. "I'm advising you to consider pleading guilty when we reconvene. It may be our only path to a reduced sentence."

The words hit Serena like a physical blow. "Guilty? But I'm innocent! You know I could never harm anyone like that." Her voice rose with a sudden burst of anger and disbelief.

Kate placed a calming hand on her arm. "Take a breath, Serena. Let him speak."

Jenkins leaned forward with a solemn expression. "I understand this is devastating to hear. But the prosecution's narrative portrays you as unhinged, driven to violence by your privileged upbringing and broken relationships. They've skewed the facts to paint you as unstable."

Serena's mind whirled. She looked desperately between her lawyer and confidante. "There has to be another way," she insisted. "I won't plead guilty to something I didn't do. I won't let them brand me as something I'm not."

Jenkins glanced at Kate and gave her a subtle nod.

The latter rose from her seat. "I'll give you two a moment," Kate murmured, squeezing Serena's shoulder before exiting the room.

Once alone, Jenkins turned his attention back to Serena. "I wish I had better news. The truth is, there are powerful forces working against you - forces I've been threatened not to defy."

Serena's breath caught in her throat as realization dawned. "You're saying...someone is threatening you?"

Jenkins nodded solemnly. "I was almost gunned down by unknown men today.” He removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose wearily. "I can't ignore a threat like that, not with my family at risk."

"Oh, Jenkins..." Serena's heart ached for her old friend. She reached across and clasped his hand. "I had no idea you were being coerced like this. You should have told me sooner."

He met her compassionate gaze. "You're like family to me, Serena. Your father was my father’s dearest friend. I couldn't abandon you, not after all your family has done for me."

Grief flickered across Serena's lovely features at the mention of her late father. She swallowed hard and blinked back tears. "Daddy would want you to keep your family safe above all else. He'd understand."

"Perhaps," Jenkins conceded. "But now you know why pleading guilty may be our only viable path forward. At least for now."

Serena felt her stomach twist as the weight of his words settled over her. To admit guilt for a crime she didn't commit... It was unconscionable! However, if sinister forces were plotting her demise, what option other did she have?

"I need a moment," she said tightly, rising from her chair. She moved up to the window and looked out without a word while taking a steadying breath.

A plethora of emotions swirled within her…sadness, resignation, and anger.

This was all because of Alex. His betrayal, his obsession with power and status, had landed her in this nightmare.