Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 283

Outside the courthouse.

Gabrielle hopped out of the car and spotted Serena and William waiting by the steps. She hurried over, calling out, "I'm not late, am I?"

"No, you're right on time," Serena replied softly. She noticed the sweat still clinging to Gabrielle's forehead and couldn't help but say, "I told you, you didn't need to come all the way here."

"How could I not? I'm your witness!" Gabrielle planted her hands on her hips, her tone fierce with loyalty. "Honestly, you should've brought me last time. I could've told the judge exactly how your mother treated you back in middle school. Any judge with a shred of conscience would've ruled against Penelope."

Gabrielle knew about Serena's lawsuit with Penelope, but hadn't known the exact date of the hearing until yesterday, when Serena finally mentioned the second trial was today. No matter what, Gabrielle had insisted on being there.

Serena was warmed by Gabrielle's big-heartedness and, not wanting to disappoint her friend, had agreed.

"Court is about evidence, not stories," Serena reminded her with a gentle smile. "The judge won't care about any of that. Just promise me you'll stick to the facts if you're called to testify."

Gabrielle pouted. "Fine, but if the judge makes an unfair ruling, I swear I'll protest!"

Serena and William exchanged a glance, both wearing the same resigned, affectionate smile.

my dad mentioned your show-'Antiquities Gambit,' right? He said it's a national educational program, and the winner gets a chance to participate in an artifact exchange with Eldoria.

Serena nodded. "Yes."

to us. It's huge-a symbol that we're not that bullied

But for her, the artifacts themselves mattered

sleek black car

Giles Weatherly stepped out, Serena finally

Gabrielle's eyes sparkled the

Giles seemed to have shed his usual gloom; he looked

moreel

He was handsome to begin with, but now, with a little polish, he had an

a certain coolness about him-but unlike Aaron, his demeanor wasn't cold enough to push people away. Seren@thought it must be his eyes. There was a kind of compassion in Giles's gaze, a quiet sorrow for the

Gabrielle didn't wait for an introduction. She marched right up to Giles and flashed him

Serena: "

not Gabrielle's

crossed Giles's face, but it

to William