Chapter 334
Chapter 334:
Raising his voice to be heard, the judge continued, “If you wish to contest this ruling, you have the right to appeal within fifteen days of receiving this judgment.” He turned to Monica. “Is there anything else you wish to address p>
Monica’s face had gone ashen. “No,” she replied quietly.
With that, the judge officially closed the session.
The courtroom gradually emptied as the staff filed out. Moments later, Monica snapped out of her daze. Spotting Kristine only an aisle away, she suddenly lunged forward, hand raised, fury blazing in her eyes.
“You ungrateful girl! You caused your father’s death and still dare to lay claim to his antiques? If I had known you would turn out like this, I never would have raised you p>
Her hand swept toward Kristine — but before it could connect, Asher caught her wrist mid-air. He fixed Monica with an icy stare. “Mrs. Palmer, I suggest you calm yourself p>
A chill ran through Monica at the cold strength of his grip.
Trying to muster her composure, she snapped back, “Mr. Edwards, this is between me and Kristine. As her mother, I have every right to discipline her p>
R𝘦a𝘥 t𝗁𝘦 l𝘢te𝘴𝘵 𝘁𝗋e𝗇𝖽𝘴 𝘰n
Asher released her wrist, his expression hardening. “A mother, yes. But have you ever truly cared for her, or shown her even the slightest warmth? You have done nothing but scheme to seize those antiques, and you have acted with shocking cruelty. I have never seen a parent behave like this p>
Heat rushed to Monica’s face. She clenched her teeth. “This is a family matter, Mr. Edwards. You have no place involving yourself in it p>
The faint smile faded from Asher’s lips, his gaze growing colder. “Let’s not forget — Kristine is my wife p>
Monica recoiled in shock.
The rest of the room stirred, whispers rising all around.
It was Jemma who finally found her voice. “But — I thought you failed to register your marriage p>
Kristine’s eyes were clouded with uncertainty as she looked at Asher.
He met her gaze without flinching.
In that silent exchange, Kristine could see the fierce protectiveness in his eyes. Her own heart quickened, a sudden warmth blooming in her chest.
Asher snapped his eyes away quickly, as though even the thought of holding Kristine’s gaze made him uneasy.
A heavy feeling settled in her chest.
Then his voice cut through the silence. “You’re right — we never made it official. But she was still my fiancée once, and at this point, she’s family to me. If she gets dragged into something, then so do I. Think very carefully before you try anything like this again p>
Monica and Jemma froze where they stood.
The message could not have been clearer. Anyone who dared to target Kristine would first have to stand against the Edwards family. In Peudon, that name alone carried weight and authority — and crushing anyone who crossed them would require little more than a gesture.
Once that reality sank in, Monica wasted no time dragging Jemma away. With the two of them gone, Brendan had no excuse to linger. Still, just before he left, he cast a sharp, challenging look toward Nathan.