Chapter 332
Chapter 332:
It had worked. Their paths had stopped crossing, and his career had flourished without interference.
Until now.
Just the thought of Nathan looming over him again sent a chill down his spine. He could not allow himself to be overshadowed a second time.
At that moment, the door behind him opened with a soft creak. Brendan spun around to find Monica stepping inside. His expression darkened. “Mrs. Palmer p>
“Mr. Loftus, it’s time to head back to the courtroom p>
Brendan hesitated. Monica, however, met his gaze with a calm, self-assured smile. Even with her eyes still red from crying, something unsettling glimmered in them. “If Kristine truly loves her father,” she said, her voice dropping almost to a whisper, “she’ll give up those antiques without a fight p>
Her final words faded into silence.
Both Brendan and Jemma turned to Monica, confusion etched across their faces.
Inside the courtroom, the bell signaled that court was back in session, and everyone slowly returned to their seats.
Brendan and Jemma noted that only Nathan and Danica had come back so far, which made Monica’s earlier words seem all the more believable. The judge looked around. “Where is the defendant p>
𝗣𝘰p𝘂𝗹𝘢𝗿 𝗌tо𝗿𝗂𝗲ѕ 𝗼𝘯 ѕ.𝖼𝗈𝗺
“She’s been informed and should arrive any moment,” Nathan replied.
Several long minutes passed before Kristine and Asher finally reappeared.
Jemma spotted Kristine’s pale, tear-stained face and could barely contain her satisfaction. “She probably realized she’s going to lose the antiques. Just look at her. Mom, what did you do to her p>
Monica’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I did nothing at all. It seems Kristine finally grew a conscience, that’s all p>
Jemma was about to add more, but Kristine stepped up to the defendant’s table, and the hearing resumed.
Before the judge could continue, Monica quickly rose. “Your Honor, may I say something first p>
Every gaze in the room shifted toward her.
The judge gave a brief nod. “Proceed p>
Monica spoke, her voice carefully measured with a practiced tremor. “More than a decade ago, my first husband was killed in a car accident — a loss that could have been prevented.” Her gaze settled on Kristine. Seeing her standing with her head bowed, shoulders shaking, Monica allowed a faint smile to play at her lips. “Because Kristine insisted her father return home early to celebrate her birthday, he ended up in that accident. If not for her request, my husband would still be alive. For that reason, I believe Kristine bears indirect responsibility for his death and should not be entitled to inherit his legacy p>
The room was packed, most of those present having been invited by Monica herself. Gasps of disbelief rippled through the courtroom as she finished speaking. Even the judge seemed momentarily caught off guard by the sudden revelation.
“Ms. Green, is this statement true?” he asked, turning to Kristine.
She remained silent, head bowed, shoulders trembling.
Monica pressed on. “I am not fighting over the antiques because of their monetary value. My objection is that Kristine still carries the blame for her father’s death. She is simply unfit to inherit his legacy p>