Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 232

“Why?”

“He’s got a terrible temper. If you push him too far, he’ll throw dirty water at you. So unless you have to, it’s best not to provoke him.”

Serena froze for a moment.

But in the end, she found herself back at the front steps of the old manor. She hesitated, then knocked on the door.

“Mr. Weatherly? My name is Serena. I know you’re in there. I’ve come to ask for your help—I need you to represent me in court.”

She didn’t care if Giles inside could hear her or not; she pressed on, voice steady: “Please, help me. I know you never take cases for the money, but if you help me win, I’ll agree to any terms you name.”

Bang—

The door flew open.

A man stood before Serena—white-haired, but with a face younger than she expected.

She nearly jumped.

She started to back away, then realized this must be Giles himself.

Steeling herself, she forced her fear down and met the sharp, dark gaze. “M-Mr. Weatherly—”

“Get out!” The words were clipped, each consonant biting.

Only then did Serena realize—his voice was exactly the same as the old, gruff one she’d heard before.

“Mr. Weatherly, I really need—”

“Watch out—!” Before Serena could finish, a voice called urgently from behind. The next instant, two strong arms yanked her aside, spinning her around and into the safe, solid warmth of someone’s embrace.

She looked up—astonished to see William standing there.

For a moment, she was too surprised to speak. Then she saw Giles, still holding a watering can, hurl a torrent of filthy water straight at William’s back.

With a loud splash, the impeccably dressed Mr. Grayson was instantly drenched, water streaming down his expensive coat.

Serena stood there, stunned, and then the truth hit her.

Giles had meant to douse her, but William’s sudden appearance had shielded her from the worst of it.

But William showed no hint of annoyance. In fact, the corners of his mouth twitched in a faint, reassuring smile—as though he hadn’t just been doused with a bucket of water.

Giles couldn’t understand these two at all.

One had just been soaked, but didn’t seem the least bit angry.

The other hadn’t been touched, but was furious on his behalf.

A prickle of fear made him want to retreat.

Just then—

“Serena, let him go,” William said gently. “He’s right. We’re the ones asking for a favor. We should show some respect.”

Serena bristled. “But—”

William’s smile widened, warm and soothing. “It’s all right. Relax.”

His voice was like a breath of summer air on a bleak autumn day, sweeping away the chill that clung to Serena’s heart.