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.

right? He said it's a national educational program, and the winner gets a chance to participate in an artifact exchange

Serena nodded. "Yes."

time Eldoria's returning artifacts to us. It's huge-a symbol that we're not that bullied country from a

It really was a historic occasion. But for her, the artifacts themselves mattered more than

car pulled

Giles Weatherly stepped out, Serena

Gabrielle's eyes sparkled

Giles seemed to have shed

moreel

begin with, but now, with

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

and flashed him a bright smile. "I'm Gabrielle,

Serena: "

definitely not Gabrielle's

Giles's face, but it

he turned to William and Serena. "Shall