Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 247

However, Nestor Leighton realized all too soon just how naive he’d been.

When it came time to cite the law, William did it with such fluency that it put even Nestor to shame.

And it wasn’t just that. The way they sparred, it was clear this wasn’t their first clash—far from it. They’d crossed swords countless times before. William even seemed to know exactly where Nestor’s weaknesses lay, and he pressed on them with uncanny precision.

By the end, Nestor could do little more than rage helplessly. “Yes, yes! The defendant’s father did make a verbal will, leaving all the antiques to the defendant, but according to Civil Code Section 1140, a verbal will must be witnessed by at least two people who meet specific qualifications. The defendant’s so-called will had no such witnesses. Therefore, the will is invalid!”

William turned his wheelchair, his tone calm and steady. “While it’s true my client’s verbal will wasn’t witnessed by two qualified people, the plaintiff and my client’s father have long since divorced and started new families. Under inheritance law, regardless of the will, these antiques rightfully belong to my client.”

Nestor opened his mouth, but no words came out.

For a long moment, he just stood there, then finally turned to the judge. “Your Honor, I request a recess.”

“Granted.” The judge nodded.

Once the judge and the clerk left the courtroom, Serena couldn’t hold back her delight any longer. Her eyes curved with laughter. “You were brilliant in there.”

She remembered what Giles had told them that day—William had remembered every word.

William smiled faintly, though his gaze slipped past Serena to settle on Nestor Leighton across the aisle.

Nestor forced a smile, but his eyes were clouded with defeat.

Penelope frowned and leaned toward him. “Mr. Leighton, what do we do now?”

Nestor glanced at William, then lowered his voice. “Don’t worry. One way or another, I’ll win this case.”

Penelope pressed her lips together, her expression unreadable.

Bella, who had been listening anxiously to the exchange, turned to her mother. “Mom, those antiques aren’t really going to—”

Penelope shook her head and signaled her to stop talking.