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

Gabrielle pressed herself against the wall and peeked back around the

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,

allowed Giles to lead her

Meanwhile, at the staircase-

paced anxiously. "Mr. Leighton," she pressed, "didn't you promise

win this case? Why do you suddenly seem

Nestor's face was grim.

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

made a name for

realize just how many sharks were in the water To reach the top,

he was on. In just six months,

he'd first crossed

trial had been

6 sasto

I.ne

for Nestor-he'd lost so

it was humiliating, an experience he'd never had

his nemesis. But

to doubt his competence.