Chapter 26
**Chapter 26: The Hearing p>
Serena entered Alice’s room with an air of excitement that was palpable. “Alice, I have wonderful news!” she announced, her voice brightening the early morning gloom. “Remember those two online interviews I had for Oakridge Bay University? Well, they’re scheduling my final interview for next week! I’m actually flying out to Oakridge. It feels so promising! The job offer includes everything—a full package: an apartment, plane tickets, and even a car! Can you believe it? It’s unbelievably good p>
Alice turned to her, her eyes wide with enthusiasm. “For the Academic Research Lead position?” she inquired, and Serena nodded, her smile growing even wider.
“That’s fantastic!” Alice cheered, her excitement bubbling over. But then, her expression shifted slightly, and she wrinkled her nose in concern. “But what if Xavier reaches out to us soon? What will we do then p>
Serena’s smile faltered as silence enveloped the room for a moment. Finally, she replied, “What if he doesn’t p>
“He will,” Alice asserted firmly, her voice laced with conviction.
With a heavy sigh, Serena countered, “I know he probably will, but maybe he’s just swamped with work and hasn’t had the chance to check his messages. He could be facing challenges I’m not aware of. What I’m trying to say is that I can’t put my life on hold waiting for Xavier. I need to think about my future p>
Alice stepped closer, her voice softening. “Okay, okay,” she said, placing a reassuring hand on Serena’s shoulder. “I understand. I’m sorry for bringing it up. You’re right. When your final interview arrives, I’ll be right there with you. I can check out Oakridge Bay University too. Who knows? Maybe they’ll have a position for me as well p>
Serena’s expression turned serious as she revealed, “I haven’t told them I’m pregnant yet.” She grimaced slightly, the weight of her secret evident in her tone. “I plan to bring it up during the final interview p>
Alice shook her head, her voice steady. “Don’t stress about it. There are anti- discrimination laws in place for pregnancy. You’re not required to disclose that information. Besides, it’s a research position. It shouldn’t be physically demanding p>
“Yes, I’ve thought about that too,” Serena admitted, nodding thoughtfully. “But I also want to be upfront with them. Honesty is important to me p>
Alice took both of Serena’s hands in hers, squeezing gently. “Well, if this is where you’re meant to be, then that’s how it should be. Sometimes, the right path only reveals itself when we’re pushed to take a step forward p>
A week had slipped by since Serena’s last encounter with Nathaniel, and since she and Alice had submitted their DNA samples to the hospital. The anticipation was almost unbearable; she was just three days away from discovering the results. The wait felt torturous. Yet, she couldn’t afford to remain idle.
In the days that followed, Serena had diligently sent out dozens of job applications, casting her net far and wide-some to cities nearby, others to countries across the globe. One morning, as she scrolled through her emails, a job posting from Oakridge Bay University caught her eye. It felt almost serendipitous; the position seemed tailor-made for her, aligning perfectly with her expertise in biochemistry and her extensive background in clinical research. The thought of working in a university setting filled her with hope, envisioning it as a safe haven to rebuild her life.
“Well, it’s the weekend. What do you want to do? Should we go out?” Alice asked, busily tidying up her bed.
Serena frowned, shaking her head. “And risk running into Nathaniel? No, thank you. I think I’ll stay in p>
Thus, the two friends opted for a quiet Sunday at home, hoping for a day free from interruptions. But even within the confines of their sanctuary, they weren’t spared from the one name Serena desperately wished to avoid.
That afternoon, the television flickered to life, and a segment featuring Nathaniel’s latest venture unfolded before their eyes. An interview with Vanessa Holt, who stood confidently by his side, filled the screen.
Alice muttered a curse under her breath, frustration evident in her tone.
Serena felt a tightening in her stomach. The sight of Nathaniel alongside Vanessa ignited a familiar flame of jealousy and hurt within her.
“Breaking news: CEO of Kline BioSolutions and NC Pharmacies, Nathaniel Thorne, held a groundbreaking ceremony at Fourth Drive Avenue earlier today,” the news anchor announced, and the screen transitioned to live coverage.
Nathaniel stood confidently in front of a vast expanse of cleared land. Behind him, the ceremonial podium was still adorned with navy cloth. A row of gold-plated shovels stood firmly planted in the freshly turned soil, the symbolic groundbreaking already completed.
Dressed impeccably in a charcoal suit, Nathaniel faced the reporters with an air of authority. “A year from now, a new tower will rise on this land, and it will bear my father’s name,” he declared, his voice steady and resolute.
He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle over the crowd, which fell silent in anticipation.
“I am funding a research institute dedicated to the study of
neurological disorders, an area that desperately needs more attention and resources. Within this same building, we will also establish a foundation to support victims of crime a sanctuary for those who cannot defend themselves against injustice… just as my family once couldn’t, against Victor Kline p>
A murmur of interest rippled through the gathered reporters.
The sound of cameras clicking resonated in the air, capturing every moment.
Nathaniel turned slightly, acknowledging Vanessa Holt beside him. She stood poised, her fitted blazer accentuating her confidence, relishing the attention as the cameras flashed.
“And I want to express my gratitude to Vanessa and her father, Councilor Mathew Holt, for their invaluable support in making this project possible,” Nathaniel continued, his eyes glinting with determination.
Vanessa stepped closer, clearly savoring the spotlight. “My father and I wholeheartedly support Nathan’s vision. This institute won’t just advance neurological research; it will create jobs, strengthen our healthcare system, and foster Jong-term economic growth in Velmon City. We are committed to supporting more of his initiatives p>
Then, a reporter raised a question that sent a chill down Serena’s spine. “Mr. Thorne, tomorrow marks the second hearing in the criminal case against Victor Kline. What can the public expect p>
Nathaniel’s gaze hardened, a flicker of anger crossing his features as he looked into the camera. His jaw clenched tightly before he replied, “Tomorrow, the people of Velmon City will witness the depths of Victor Kline’s brutality p>
Serena swallowed hard, her eyes glued to the TV screen. A shiver ran down her spine as she processed his words.
She was aware that there was evidence against Victor, but she had never grasped the full extent of it. A part of her yearned to hear the truth directly, to finally see the situation through Nathaniel’s eyes.
Turning to Alice, she whispered, “Let’s attend the hearing p>
Alice’s jaw dropped in surprise, her eyes wide. She blinked rapidly, her voice barely
above a whisper. “Really? I… I want to know more too p>
And so it was decided. The following
day, Serena and Alice donned disguises and made their way to the courthouse. To their relief, the seats were packed; a sea of spectators, reporters, and curious locals filled perfect, cover
the
3reating t
for them to blend in. They slipped into the back row, their hearts racing with anticipation.
Nathaniel was called in first to identify the next witness, and what unfolded next left Serena and Alice frozen in their seats. Each word revealed a truth far darker than they had anticipated, unraveling a narrative that would change everything.