Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 286

Serena's body trembled again.

William noticed and frowned.

"Mr. Weatherly," he said, "go take a moment to gather your thoughts. And Miss Chatham, I'd appreciate it if you could step out as well."

Gabrielle opened her mouth to protest, but Giles gently pulled her away before she could say a word.

Only when they rounded the corner did Giles finally let her go.

"What's your problem?" Gabrielle snapped. "Serena needs me right now!"

Giles regarded her coolly, his eyes unreadable as he looked her up and down. "Are you sure you know how to comfort Serena?"

Gabrielle fell silent.

She and Serena had been friends back in middle school, but ever since high school, their lives had taken different paths.

Now, after all these years, it was obvious to Gabrielle that Serena had changed— she was nothing like the girl she'd once known.

So, was she really the right person to console Serena? Gabrielle wasn't sure she could.

Especially considering how much Serena adored her father. To find out she'd been responsible for his death-Gabrielle couldn't even imagine how devastated Serena must be.

you can't help," Giles said quietly,

herself against the wall and peeked back around the

what he was saying, there was a softness in his expression she'd never seen before. The warmth

allowed Giles to lead

Meanwhile, at the staircase-

she pressed, "didn't

case? Why do you suddenly

Nestor's face was grim.

because Giles had been unworthy, but because he'd set up the perfect

made a name

it hadn't taken long to realize just how many sharks were in the water To reach the top, he couldn't afford a single loss. People only remembered your last defeat,

case, regardless of the side he was on. In just six months,

he'd first crossed

Giles. That trial

6 sasto

I.ne

for Nestor-he'd lost so

humiliating, an experience

nemesis. But not once

to doubt his competence. The pressure