Chapter 15 - THE TRIAL OF SERENA MONTIGUE
Serena’s trial began six months later.
Ethan’s arm had healed.
Lily’s physical injuries had faded.
The memory remained.
She testified for nearly five hours.
The prosecutor asked her to describe the foyer.
She spoke about the marble.
The cold floor.
The baby’s weakening cries.
Serena’s heel against her abdomen.
She described crawling because standing was impossible.
Serena’s attorney questioned Lily’s connection to the Blackwood family.
He suggested she wanted control of Ethan’s trust.
Lily looked toward the jury.
“I did not know my birth name when I protected him.”
“I believed I was a nanny who could be fired with one phone call.”
“I moved because a child was hurt.”
The foyer video was played next.
Several jurors looked away when Ethan’s arm bent.
Victor did not.
He watched every second.
He believed looking away would become another form of leaving Lily alone with the memory.
Marlene testified about the false passports and guardianship documents.
Price testified under a plea agreement.
He admitted altering Isabella’s medication.
He admitted sedating Ethan.
He admitted preparing medical reports that would place the child in residential care.
Serena blamed Anthony.
Anthony blamed Crane.
Crane blamed Victor’s father.
The evidence showed that each person had made independent choices.
Serena’s recorded messages revealed excitement about becoming the Blackwood matriarch.
She discussed redecorating the mansion before Isabella’s death was legally reinvestigated.
She asked Price how long Ethan would remain weak after each dose.
She joked that a sleeping baby was easier to love.
The jury found her guilty of child abuse, attempted kidnapping, conspiracy, fraud, and participation in Isabella’s death.
During sentencing, Serena looked toward Victor.
“I loved you.”
Victor answered quietly.
“You loved standing beside power.”
She turned toward Lily.
“You won.”
Lily shook her head.
“This was never a competition.”
Serena received a sentence that would keep her imprisoned for decades.
Price lost his medical license and received a long sentence.
Crane and Anthony faced separate federal trials.
The legal process continued.
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The mansion became quieter.
But Victor’s own hearing had not yet occurred.
