Chapter 285
Chapter 285:
Kristine woke early that morning. With the show’s next episode still unreleased, the public’s attention had faded, and she was finally able to leave the apartment without disguising herself. Asher arrived to take her along. She tried to politely refuse, but he was firm — he reminded her that this was Nathan’s first case since coming out of retirement, and he wanted to be there to witness it.
With no other choice, Kristine climbed into his car.
Arriving at the courthouse, she immediately spotted Monica and Jemma standing beside Brendan.
“Kristine.” Monica saw her approach and hurried over, her expression painted with concern. “I heard you’d come back. I doubted it. How have you been p>
Kristine caught the mock worry in Monica’s eyes and said nothing.
From the side, Jemma cut in sharply. “Are you just going to ignore Mom? Don’t you have any manners p>
Kristine leveled a frosty stare at Jemma, her eyes dropping briefly to the faint reddish bruises circling her neck. The sight made Jemma instinctively retreat.
𝖱𝖾𝗮𝖽 𝗐і𝘁𝗁о𝘶𝗍 іnt𝘦𝘳𝘳𝘶𝗉𝘁𝘪o𝗻s 𝘰𝗇 ѕ.𝖼𝘰m
Monica reacted quickly, drawing Jemma behind her while offering Kristine a smile that looked soft yet bristled with protectiveness. “Kristine, don’t take it out on Jemma. She’s still young and doesn’t know any better p>
A cold smirk played on Kristine’s lips. She had lost count of how many times she had heard that tired excuse. After her father’s death, Monica had brought Steven and Jemma into the family home, and every time Jemma acted out, that same well-worn defense appeared on cue.
Turning away, Kristine addressed Asher. “Let’s go inside p>
Asher nodded, giving Monica and Jemma a measured look before letting Kristine push his wheelchair through the courthouse doors.
Jemma’s eyes followed them, a spark of envy glimmering despite herself. She had never wanted to marry Asher — yet something about seeing him with Kristine always stung. If only Asher hadn’t ended up in a wheelchair.
“Let’s head in,” Brendan said. Monica gave a small nod but paused a moment before stepping forward.
The trial was scheduled to begin at half past nine. Kristine settled at the defense table and cast a quick glance at the clock before her gaze swept toward the entrance. It was nearly twenty-five minutes past, and there was still no sign of Nathan.
Had he backed down?
Sensing her growing anxiety, Asher leaned forward and murmured softly, “Try not to worry. Nathan keeps his word. If he said he’d be here, he will. I also asked Tripp to go and get him, just in case p>
Kristine met his eyes and felt a hint of relief.
Still, the minutes crept by with no sign of Nathan.
The judge looked over and addressed Kristine. “Ms. Green, has your attorney arrived yet p>
A mocking laugh slipped from Jemma’s lips. “Maybe he realized Brendan was representing us and decided to bail p>
Brendan allowed himself a sly grin.
The judge struck the gavel, restoring silence to the courtroom. “Quiet!” He turned to Kristine. “If your attorney doesn’t appear soon, we’ll have to appoint one for you p>
A clear, composed voice cut through the tension. “He’s here p>
Heads turned as everyone tried to identify the speaker, only to realize it was Asher.
Jemma blinked in disbelief. “Mr. Edwards? Since when did you become Kristine’s lawyer p>
Asher maneuvered his wheelchair to Kristine’s side and addressed the judge with steady confidence. “I’ll be representing the defendant p>