Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 246

Serena's icy gaze landed on Bella's face, then slid downward to the faint red marks still visible on her neck.

Bella shrank back, fear flickering across her features.

Sensing this, Penelope quickly stepped between them, shielding Bella behind her. Her tone was gentle, but the protectiveness in her eyes was unmistakable. "Serena, don't take it out on your little sister. She's young-she doesn't know any better."

Serena's lips curled in a faint, knowing smile.

She'd heard that excuse so many times it felt worn thin.

Ever since their father passed away, Penelope had taken both Tyler Brooks and Bella into their home.

And every single time Bella bullied her, Penelope would say the same thing.

"Let's head inside," Serena said to William.

William gave a slight nod, glancing briefly at Penelope and Bella before letting Serena guide him into the courthouse.

Watching them, jealousy flickered in Bella's eyes.

She didn't actually want to marry William-the man in the wheelchair-but seeing

made her

only William hadn't ended up like this. If only he wasn't confined

be so

go in too,” Nestor Leighton said

nodded, though her

pause, she followed Nestor Leighton through the

hearing was scheduled

at the defendant's table, glancing at the clock

twenty-five past, and Giles

he changed his

spoke softly, his voice reassuring. "Don't worry. Giles is a man of his word. If he promised you,

relaxed a little, comforted

minutes ticked

at Serena from the

but giggle. "Maybe he heard we hired Nestor Leighton and got

lips curled into a

gavel, the sharp sound

back to Serena. "If your attorney does not arrive soon, I

A warm, confident voice

turned

It was William.