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

herself against the wall and peeked back around

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

Giles to lead

Meanwhile, at the staircase-

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

do you suddenly seem powerless now that Giles

Nestor's face was grim.

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

made a

how many sharks were in the water To reach the top, he couldn't afford a single loss. People only remembered your

win every case, regardless of the side he was on.

when he'd first

trial had been

6 sasto

I.ne

for Nestor-he'd lost so

was humiliating, an

But not once had Nestor

his competence. The pressure gnawed