NovelEndChapter 288 At that moment, everyone noticed her eyes were brimming with tears. Yet not a single one fell; they clung stubbornly to her lashes, making her seem all the more poised and untouchable-like no pain could truly reach her.
"I have nothing more to say," Serena spoke, her voice steady. "Everything that needs to be said has already been represented by my attorney. The antique was my father's legacy to me. Since he entrusted it to me, I intend to honor his wishes and keep it safe." Her words barely faded before a wave of angry voices surged up behind her.
"She's shameless! She's the reason her own father died, and she still dares to say that?" "Unbelievable! There's no way she should get to keep the antique!" "That's right! She can't have it!" A flurry of furious murmurs filled the courtroom.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe judge glanced uneasily at Serena, clearly at a loss for how to proceed.
But Serena sat tall, her back perfectly straight. No matter how vile the insults hurled her way, her expression never wavered, not a hint of surrender in her eyes.
Giles, seated beside her, finally allowed himself a breath of relief. He watched Serena with clear admiration. Earlier, he'd worried she might buckle under the guilt-haunted by memories of her parents' deaths—and give up the inheritance herself. Clearly, he'd underestimated her.
Giles looked up at the judge. "Your Honor, I ask that you proceed according to the law and deliver an impartial judgment." The judge seemed to snap out of his daze. With a deep frown, he gathered his thoughts, then rose to his feet. Everyone else stood up as well.
"After a full investigation and legal arguments, this court has thoroughly examined the case. I am now ready to deliver the verdict." "According to the Civil Code... the court rules as follows: the antique shall remain in the possession of the defendant." A commotion broke out in the courtroom.
The judge raised his voice above the din. "If you are dissatisfied with this judgment, you have the right to file an appeal within fifteen days of receiving the written verdict..." He finished speaking, then looked toward Penelope. "Are there any further questions?" Penelope, pale and rigid, managed to shake her head. "No." The judge announced the session adjourned.
One by one, the court staff began to file out. For a long moment, Penelope just sat there, frozen in shock. Then, suddenly, as if something snapped inside her, she shot to her feet and strode across the aisle separating her from Serena. Without warning, she raised her hand, aiming to slap Serena across the face.
"You heartless snake! You killed your own father and now you have the nerve to keep his things? If I'd known what you were, I would've drowned you at birth!" Penelope's voice was raw with rage, but before she could strike, William stepped in and caught her wrist midair.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe met Penelope's furious gaze with an icy stare. "Penelope, calm down." She shivered. His hand was cold as
ice, and she had to steel herself just to speak. "Mr. Williams, she's myn daughter As her mother, I have every right to discipline her
William's grip tightened before he released her, his eyes gleaming sharper than a blade. "You may be her mother, but have you ever cared for her? Ever protected her? You've done everything imaginable to snatch back that antique-no matter how cruel. I've never seen a mother behave so viciously." Penelope's face flushed scarlet. She gritted her teeth. "That's still a family matter, Mr. Williams. This doesn't concern you!" William's smile faded. His stare grew even colder, as if daring her to challenge him. "Don't forget-Serena is my wife." Penelope recoiled as if struck. The others in the room exchanged stunned glances.
For a moment, only silence filled the air, until Bella's panicked voice brake through "Wait... Didn't you two didn't it fall through in the end?" Serena's eyes widened with shock and confusion as she looked at William. He was looking right back at her. Their eyes met across the courtroom, and Serena saw something in his gaze- concern, longing, a deep and aching tenderness.
Her heart felt as if it had been branded. It pounded wildly in her chest, burning with a heat she couldn't explain.
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