Chapter 181

Serena's POV

Following Lucas out of the detention center, I spotted Eleanor waiting by her Tesla Model S. After twenty-four hours of preparing for the worst, I hadn't expected her to be the first familiar face I'd see.

The moment Eleanor caught sight of me, she rushed forward and enveloped me in a tight embrace. "Serena, you're finally out! You look like you've been through a lot." Her voice cracked, eyes rimmed with red.

Her concern warmed my heart. I didn't want those closest to me to worry. "It wasn't as bad as I imagined," I offered a slight smile, trying to lighten the mood.

I knew Eleanor could see through my brave front, but right now, maintaining this facade of calm was all I could manage. Perhaps she expected me to break down in tears, but crying wouldn't solve anything.

Rachel's voice cut through the moment, "Eleanor, would you mind taking Serena home? Lucas and I need to leave - My grandfather just arrived in Manhattan unexpectedly." She paused before adding, "We really can't keep him waiting."

I noticed Eleanor's sharp glance at Rachel but appreciated her choice to remain silent. I could sense her hostility toward Rachel, but I had no energy to deal with such dynamics right now.

"We should go, Lucas. Your grandfather and mine are waiting. If we delay any longer, I'm worried that..." Rachel trailed off meaningfully.

I felt Lucas's gaze on me but deliberately avoided meeting his eyes. In this moment, I chose to respond to his presence with complete detachment. No accusations, no emotional display - treating him like a stranger. This distance was my only form of self-protection right now.

After they left, Eleanor and I got into her car. During the drive through bustling streets, she couldn't contain her frustration about Rachel. "That manipulative woman, she must be behind all this. Playing the perfect lady in front of Lucas while plotting who knows what."

I remained silent. The detention had left me exhausted, but more importantly, my mind was consumed with how to handle my case. Nina was right about one thing - in this ruthless world, my power to fight back was minimal. But I couldn't give up yet.

Back at my apartment, Eleanor insisted I take a shower while she ordered dinner. I gave a brief nod and retreated to my room. Standing before the mirror, I finally saw my haggard reflection.

Gone was the polished professional who once thought she had life figured out, who believed success was simply a matter of determination and hard work. That version of me seemed to belong to another lifetime now.

The weight of everything finally crashed down. My carefully maintained composure crumbled, and tears began streaming down my face. But I knew Eleanor was just outside - sweet, concerned Eleanor who had already done so much. I couldn't let her hear me break down.

Covering my mouth with trembling hands, I turned on the shower to mask any sound. The water's steady rhythm provided cover as quiet sobs wracked my body. Here, in this small sanctuary of steam and solitude, I could finally let go of the facade and allow myself to cry.

When I emerged from the shower, I found Eleanor had ordered an impressive spread. She kept piling food onto my plate, and looking at the growing mountain of gourmet dishes, I couldn't help but joke, "Are you worried I won't get food like this if I end up back in there?"

I'd meant to lighten the mood, but Eleanor's eyes welled up again. "Don't say things like that," she said urgently. "Lucas will fix this. He'll do whatever it takes to-"

"Let's not talk about him," I cut her off. I couldn't bear to discuss Lucas, nor did I want to explain why. Right now, I needed to face this alone.

We finished dinner in comfortable silence. Though I could tell Eleanor wanted to say more, to defend her brother, she held back. I was grateful for her understanding.

After dinner, I reached for my phone to call Quinn. She was not only my most trusted lawyer but also my only hope right now. My fingers trembled slightly as I dialed her number.

"I'm out of custody now. Would it be possible to meet and discuss my case?" I tried to keep my voice steady.

"Of course. Where are you? I can come to you." Her professional tone provided a small measure of comfort.

"I'm at home. I'll text you the address."

"Perfect. I'll be there shortly."

Within thirty minutes, Quinn arrived at my apartment. Her confident presence helped ease some of the tension in my shoulders. Eleanor seemed surprised by Quinn's arrival but quickly caught on. "You're here about Serena's case, right?"

However, Quinn's news made my heart sink. "Yes. I just received the latest updates on your case. Due to what they're calling 'sufficient evidence' - and more importantly, some powerful people pushing things along - your trial is set for two weeks from now. It will be a public hearing."

I heard Eleanor's sharp intake of breath. "That soon? Will we have enough time to gather our evidence?"

"It's... not ideal," Quinn said diplomatically, though her expression spoke volumes.

"Can't we delay it somehow?" Eleanor pressed.