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.

said quietly, "then come with

worried, Gabrielle pressed herself against the wall and peeked back

gently patting Serena's shoulder. Though she couldn't hear what he was saying, there was a softness in his expression she'd never seen before. The warmth was genuine, nothing like his usual, carefully composed politeness. It was as if a glacier had finally melted, washing away every

allowed Giles to lead

Meanwhile, at the staircase-

"Mr. Leighton," she

case? Why do you suddenly seem powerless

Nestor's face was grim.

won not because Giles had been unworthy, but because he'd set up the

a

to realize just how many sharks were in

win every case, regardless of the side he was on. In just six months, he'd become

he'd first crossed

Giles. That trial

6 sasto

I.ne

for Nestor-he'd lost so

an experience he'd never had

But not once had

his competence. The pressure gnawed