Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 287

Courtroom.

As the bell signaled the resumption of the trial, people filed quietly back into the courtroom.

Nestor Leighton and Bella exchanged glances, their trust in Penelope's words deepening when they saw only Giles and Gabrielle return at first.

The judge looked up. "Where are the defendants?"

Giles replied, "They've been notified. They'll be here any moment.”

A full five minutes passed before Serena and William finally made their way in.

Serena's face was drained of color, her eyes red and puffy as if she'd just been crying. Bella couldn't contain her excitement, whispering, "She must know she's going to lose the antiques. That's why she's so upset. Mom, what exactly did you do?"

Penelope offered a faint, knowing smile. "I didn't do anything. She's finally showing a conscience, that's all."

Bella started to speak again, but by then Serena had already taken her place at the defendant's table.

The trial resumed.

"Your Honor, before we proceed, I have something I'd like to say," Penelope interjected.

in the courtroom turned to

said

could have been avoided. But-" Her eyes flicked to Serena, who sat trembling, her head bowed "but because my daughter, Serena, insisted her father rush home for her birthday, he ended up

my husband would still be

someone indirectly responsible, I believe she has no right to inherit my

crowded, most of them guests

rippled through the

aback; he hadn't

true?" he

silent, head down,

voice resonating through the courtroom: "I'm not fighting for these antiques because of their value. It's because

blood.

allowed to inherit those

grew more

out

so if it wasn't for Serena, her father would still be alive?" "She's practically a

she must be reminded of her late husband-the man her own child got killed. If I

with tears, looked up at the judge and raised her voice.

judge regarded Penelope