Chapter 141
Flowers and Bail.
“Did you get the flowers?” Nathaniel asked.
“Yes, I got them,” Serena replied.
There was a moment of silence between them before Serena heard the kids’ voices
in the background.
“Daddy, we are done p>
It was Sebastian.
Nathaniel had brought the kids to playgroup with Bianca.
“I know, buddy, but your sister still has occupational therapy. Let’s wait for her. Your grandma will take you to buy snacks in the café while waiting,” Nathaniel said. Serena could hear the rest of their chat, and somehow, it made her smile.
It was such a relief that she had someone to share this responsibility with.
After a while, Nathaniel returned to her. He said, “Serena, after I bring the kids home, I’ll be preparing to leave. Something happened in Velmon p>
The way he said it sounded serious. “A group of activists is staging a rally outside the research institute. They are spreading claims that the allegations against Councilor Holt are political attacks since the election is coming up. It’s affecting the research institute. Many of our clients have cancelled appointments. They are trying to get sympathy from the public, and trying to make me look bad p>
“I won’t deny it. The Holts still have allies who can protect them from severe punishment, even with the evidence we have against them p>
“They exploited a loophole and were granted bail,” Nathaniel said. “As it stands, the charges won’t keep them detained unless we add attempted murder. That’s why I’m going tonight. By tomorrow, the media will know the Holts were willing to kill to protect Vanessa’s identity p>
Serena could not hold it in. The Holts were responsible for separating her and Alice. Moreover, Vanessa had lived untouched and protected while she suffered under Victor’s care.
Serena had sworn to Alice and to her own life that she would get justice. So, she said, “I’m coming with you p>
“You did say you wanted to be there when the warrant is served,” Nathaniel reminded her. “But what about Alice? Should we take her to Velmon p>
“No,” Serena replied. “There is no need. The truth about her being alive should be enough to disappoint Vanessa and her family p>
“Then, inform your family. We are flying out to Velmon at six in the evening. Gavin is already arranging a private jet,” Nathaniel responded.
At the therapy center, Nathaniel called his lawyers while waiting for Alisa to finish her therapy.
By the time he was done, Sebastian was back with Bianca, carrying a bunch of snacks, and Alisa ended her session.
A parent also walked into the therapy center, carrying a baby.
Bianca approached the therapists eagerly, intent on being more involved in Alisa’s treatment whenever she was in Rexam.
While Bianca and the therapists were chatting, the twins approached the mother carrying the baby.
“He is so cute!” Sebastian said.
“She’s a girl,” the mother laughed.
“She’s so cute,” Alisa followed her brother, but with the correct pronoun.
Alisa turned to Nathaniel and said, “Daddy, I want a baby sister p>
“No, Daddy, I want a baby brother,” Sebastian begged.
“You’ll have to ask your Mommy.” Nathaniel laughed it off, unaware that the request would later prove useful.
Meanwhile, back in Velmon City, the Holts returned home after a long, exhausting battle for bail.
“Mom, Dad… are we still going to jail?” Vanessa asked. Her face was drawn, her eyes dulled by sleepless nights.
Matthew Holt exhaled slowly before turning to her. He regretfully admitted, “For now, pris is still a possibility. But not for long, and not for what Nathan wants p>
He sat on the sofa, slouching. “Our lawyers are reframing the narrative. The conspiracy will be painted as poor judgment. Miscommunication. A situation we were misled into p>
Vivian frowned. “And the money p>
“All of it will be reclassified as campaign donations,” Matthew replied smoothly. “No exchange of favors. No criminal intent. Just political support that was… poorly timed p>
He glanced at Vanessa. “As for you, your adoption will be presented as goodwill Victor willingly gave you to us because your mother and couldn’t conceive. Charity, not concealment p>
Vanessa swallowed. “So… how long p>
“If it comes to prison,” Matthew said evenly, “a year. Two at most. Minimum security p>
It was still a heavy blow, but compared to several years of imprisonment, it was better.
Vivian’s shoulders relaxed slightly. “And the arrangements p>
“I’ll handle it,” Matthew said. “Comfortable confinement. Privacy. Access. That can
be allowed for lighter sentences. We can even request medical detention p>
Then his eyes hardened. “But the real work starts now p>
“The public needs a story,” he continued. “Judges are not completely isolated from the world around them. Prosecutors aren’t either especially not in an election year. If we look dangerous, they# make an example of us. If we look persecuted p>
He paused. “They’ll hesitate p>
Vivian nodded slowly. “And hesitation leads to delays p>
“Delays lead to plea deals,” Matthew continued. “And plea deals lead to lighter sentences p>
“The public needs to see regret,” he went on. “A family under attack. A politically convenient villain. Once that takes hold, no one wants to be the one who throws us into a cell p>
Vivian met his gaze. “If public opinion turns p>
“—the courts will follow,” Matthew finished quietly. “They always do… In a way, we can still get away with this p>
Mathew clenched his jaw. “What
1.n
gives me relief at this point is that even if we are going to jail, at least the public will start to question. Nathaniel and his methods. It may not ruin him completely, butit would scar his business p>