Chapter 286
Chapter 286:
The judge’s brows drew together. “Ms. Green, can you confirm that this gentleman is truly your legal counsel p>
For a split second, Kristine’s mind went blank. She glanced at Asher, a hint of worry in her eyes. He offered her a faint smile, his gaze clear and calm.
Kristine’s fingers curled into her palm. She answered without hesitation, her voice firm. “Yes. He’s my attorney p>
“Very well.” The judge brought down the gavel. “Let’s begin p>
A jolt of nerves ran through Kristine as she looked to Asher for reassurance.
Across the aisle, Brendan lifted his chin, his expression smug and triumphant. In the world of business, Asher would have been untouchable — but in the courtroom, this was Brendan’s home ground.
It didn’t take Brendan long to see just how wrong he had been.
D𝗈𝘸ո𝗹oа𝗱𝖺b𝗅е р𝘋Fѕ o𝘯
Asher cited legal statutes with seamless authority, and it felt as though the two of them had been rivals for years. Every flaw in Brendan’s argument was exposed and countered with precision.
Growing desperate, Brendan finally raised his voice. “Even if the defendant’s father verbally promised all the antiques to her, state probate law recognizes an oral will only in rare cases, and only if there are at least two qualified witnesses. There aren’t any in this case, so the oral will is void p>
Asher smoothly turned his wheelchair, his tone measured and confident. “Even without an oral will, the claim fails. The plaintiff and my client’s father were divorced for years and maintained separate households. All of these antiques belonged to my client before any dispute began. State inheritance law gives the plaintiff no right to these items p>
Brendan opened his mouth, but came up empty.
After a moment’s hesitation, he turned to the judge. “Your Honor, I request a short recess p>
“Granted,” the judge replied.
As soon as the judge was gone, Kristine’s face broke into a joyful smile, her eyes shining. “You were incredible.” She was amazed at how perfectly Asher had recalled Nathan’s advice.
Asher gave her a faint smile but looked past her, his attention settling on Brendan.
Across the aisle, Brendan managed a forced grin, but the defeat in his eyes was unmistakable.
Monica’s brow furrowed. “Mr. Loftus, what are our options now p>
Brendan’s eyes flickered to Asher, and he lowered his voice. “Don’t worry. I haven’t given up.” Monica kept her lips tightly pressed together, giving nothing away with her expression.
Nearby, Jemma fidgeted anxiously. “Mom, are we really going to lose those antiques p>
Monica shook her head slightly, silently urging her to stop.
Unwilling to let it go, Jemma shot a resentful glance at Kristine. “How did Kristine and Asher suddenly get so close? They’re not even married. And since when did Asher become a lawyer p>
Brendan’s head snapped up, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward Jemma. “What did you just say p>
The intensity of his gaze made Jemma shrink back. “I didn’t mean anything p>
A sly grin spread across Brendan’s lips. “That’s it. I know exactly where he’s vulnerable p>
Without another word, he strode away.