Chapter 376
Chapter 376:
“Bail, Ms. Winters?”
“The people request remand, Your Honor,” Matthews answered. “Ms. Lewis is an extreme flight risk with access to significant resources, despite our efforts to freeze her accounts. Furthermore, she represents a continued danger to multiple witnesses, particularly to her sister, Camille Kane.”
Rose didn’t move. Didn’t blink. Didn’t shift her gaze from Camille’s face.
“Your Honor,” Rose’s attorney began, “my client has no prior criminal record. She’s a respected…”
“Save it for trial, counselor,” Judge Hamilton cut in. “The defendant is remanded to custody for the duration of these proceedings.”
Only then did Rose react, her lips curling into a smile so slight that most would have missed it. But Camille saw, and understood. Prison walls meant nothing to Rose. In her mind, this was merely a setback, not an ending.
“The defendant will be transferred to Bellevue for psychiatric evaluation,” the judge continued. “We’ll reconvene for a status hearing in thirty days.”
As Rose stood to leave, she finally spoke, her voice carrying clearly through the sudden silence.
“Hello, sister dear. You’re looking well.”
The court officers moved to escort her out, but Rose resisted, her eyes never leaving Camille’s face. “Did you think this was over? It’s never over between us.”
“Ms. Lewis,” the judge warned. “That’s enough.”
Rose ignored her. “Tell me, Camille, does it feel good sitting there, pretending you’ve won? Do you sleep better at night?”
Alexander half-rose from his seat, but Camille placed a hand on his arm, stopping him. Around them, journalists scribbled frantically, cameras flashed despite the prohibitions.
“Ms. Lewis!” Judge Hamilton’s voice cracked like a whip. “One more word and I’ll hold you in contempt.”
Rose smiled fully then, a terrible expression that held no warmth, no humor—only malice. As the officers led her away, she kept her gaze locked on Camille until the very last moment.
When the door closed behind her, Camille released a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.
“She’s still fixated on you,” Victoria murmured. “Even now.”
Outside, the media circus had multiplied. Television vans lined the street, their satellite dishes raised like metal flowers seeking the sun. Reporters positioned themselves for live broadcasts, their faces serious as they recounted Rose’s dramatic appearance.
“The once-celebrated fashion designer now faces life in prison…”
“…a shocking fall from grace for the adopted daughter of Richard and…”
Margaret Lewis—”…sources close to the investigation say the evidence against Rose Lewis is overwhelming…”
The district attorney caught up with them at the courthouse steps. “Ms. Kane,” he said, shaking Camille’s hand. “Thank you for coming today. I know it wasn’t easy.”
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