Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel 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.

Every eye in the courtroom turned to her.

“Go ahead,” said the judge.

Penelope drew a steadying breath. “Years ago, my husband died in a car accident. The truth is, this tragedy 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 in that accident.

If not for her, my husband would still be alive.

So, as someone indirectly responsible, I believe she has no right to inherit my husband’s estate.”

The gallery was crowded, most of them guests Penelope herself had invited.

A shocked murmur rippled through the room at her words.

Even the judge was taken aback; he hadn’t expected such a revelation.

He hadn’t expected things to take such a turn.

Technically, Serena wasn’t at fault—she couldn’t have known her request would lead to her father’s death. But there was no denying the connection between her actions and Xander’s fate.

If he made the wrong call, this case would be the talk of the town.

After a long pause, he fixed his gaze on Serena.

“Defendant, do you have anything to say for yourself?”

Serena still wouldn’t lift her head.

Bella couldn’t help herself. “What is there to say? She killed her own father and acts like nothing happened—then tries to lay claim to everything he left behind. People like her deserve to be punished. Otherwise, where’s the justice in this world?”

“Order!” The judge rapped his gavel, turning back to Serena. “Defendant, do you really have nothing to say?”

This time, Serena finally raised her head, slowly meeting his eyes.