Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 246

Serena’s icy gaze landed on Bella’s face, then slid downward to the faint red marks still visible on her neck.

Bella shrank back, fear flickering across her features.

Sensing this, Penelope quickly stepped between them, shielding Bella behind her. Her tone was gentle, but the protectiveness in her eyes was unmistakable. “Serena, don’t take it out on your little sister. She’s young—she doesn’t know any better.”

Serena’s lips curled in a faint, knowing smile.

She’d heard that excuse so many times it felt worn thin.

Ever since their father passed away, Penelope had taken both Tyler Brooks and Bella into their home.

And every single time Bella bullied her, Penelope would say the same thing.

“Let’s head inside,” Serena said to William.

William gave a slight nod, glancing briefly at Penelope and Bella before letting Serena guide him into the courthouse.

Watching them, jealousy flickered in Bella’s eyes.

She didn’t actually want to marry William—the man in the wheelchair—but seeing him with Serena still made her stomach twist with envy.

If only William hadn’t ended up like this. If only he wasn’t confined to that chair.

Things would be so different.

“Let’s go in too,” Nestor Leighton said quietly.

Penelope nodded, though her steps wavered with hesitation.

After a pause, she followed Nestor Leighton through the courthouse doors.

The hearing was scheduled for nine-thirty.

Serena sat at the defendant’s table, glancing at the clock on the wall, then toward the entrance.

It was already twenty-five past, and Giles still hadn’t arrived.

Had he changed his mind?

Sensing Serena’s anxiety, William, seated behind her, leaned in and spoke softly, his voice reassuring. “Don’t worry. Giles is a man of his word. If he promised you, he’ll be here. Besides, I sent Finn to pick him up just in case.”

The judge looked skeptical. “Miss, is this gentleman really your attorney?”

Serena’s mind buzzed with nerves. She glanced at William, searching his face.

He offered her a small, reassuring smile, his eyes shining with quiet resolve.

Serena squeezed her hands into fists and, without a moment’s hesitation, nodded firmly. “Yes. He’s my lawyer.”

“Very well,” the judge said, banging the gavel once more. “Court is now in session!”

Serena’s heart pounded as she looked at William, anxiety twisting in her stomach.

Across the aisle, Nestor Leighton lifted his chin, wearing the smug grin of a rooster who thought he’d already won.

If this were a business deal, William would crush him without contest.

But this was a courtroom.

And here—even the famous William Brooks might just be out of his depth.