Chapter 16 - THE TESTIMONYSerena sat behind glass.
Without makeup or expensive clothing, she looked different.
But Lily knew better.
Cruelty didn't disappear because luxury did.
“You saved me,” Serena said.
“I saved a person from drowning.”
Serena looked away.
Then she confessed.
She had hurt Ethan to make Victor look incompetent.
She had manipulated doctors.
Forged trust documents.
Used Warren.
Used Damien.
She admitted knowing about Amelia.
And finally—
she named August as the man who ordered the crash.
Lily listened without interruption.
When Serena finished, she asked:
“Why Ethan?”
Serena's eyes filled with tears.
“I wanted him to call me Mama.”
Lily stared at her.
“He was supposed to feel safe.”
Serena whispered:
“I know.”
“No.”
Lily's voice was firm.
“You knew he was useful. That's not the same thing.”
The testimony became the final piece prosecutors needed.
Before Lily left, Victor waited outside.
He handed her legal papers.
“If something happens to me, you become Ethan's emergency guardian.”
Lily stared at him.
“I'm your employee.”
May you like
Victor shook his head.
“Not anymore.”
