Chaos Girl Rewrites the Script novel Chapter 653

"That's easy to say," Leander shot back. "But that woman is uncontrollable. Forget how you're even going to convince her to take the case—how can you guarantee she'll side with us? What happens if she sentences Vivienne to hang?"

Talia glared, her temper flaring. "You bastard! Cut the crap! Don't you dare compare Vivienne to those scumbags."

"..." Leander's eyelid twitched. She was still just as obnoxiously insufferable as she was when they were kids.

"Watch your mouth!" Dorian barked, suppressing his fury.

Lucian looked slightly embarrassed but found it amusing to watch the second branch get put in their place. He pulled Talia's hand down, feigning strictness. "We're family. Don't cross the line."

The room plunged into a tense stalemate.

Just then, two tall figures walked into the Main Hall, one after the other.

"Dorian," Cyril greeted smoothly.

Dorian's expression eased slightly at the sight of the two polished young men. Cyril and Alaric stood side-by-side, nodding to the family members.

Dorian glanced at Cyril before offering Alaric a warm smile. "You're both back."

Alaric gave a slight nod and turned to Talia. "Talia, where's Vivienne?"

Talia's attitude instantly softened around the younger generation. "She's in The Detention Center. She feels terribly guilty about the mess and said she was too ashamed to come home."

Alaric remained quiet for a moment before speaking up again. "I overheard you mentioning you want Judge Gresham to preside over Vivienne's trial?"

"That's right," Talia confirmed.

"She's certainly a strong candidate. But from what I understand, Judge Gresham went on extended medical leave six months ago. I highly doubt she'll agree to this easily."

Judge Gresham was brilliant. She would instantly recognize that this trial was a proxy war between titans. She likely wouldn't want to wade into such treacherous waters.

Cyril stood quietly to the side, saying nothing.

"I've already had a gift delivered to her," Talia said. "Whether she accepts or not remains to be seen."

"What?!" Dorian's temple throbbed, his voice skyrocketing. "You bribed Judge Gresham?! Why didn't you consult us on something this massive?"

"What could blow up? She accepted the gift. Is she going to sue me?" Talia stood up, looking utterly unbothered. "I've arranged everything at The Detention Center. I'll leave the rest for the rest of you to worry about. Bianca is still waiting for me at the hospital. I'm leaving."

Cyril smiled politely. "Take care, Talia."

Talia paused her steps and cast a lingering look at Cyril.

"You were the one watching over Vivienne in Merriton City?"

Cyril lowered his eyes, his expression steeped in guilt. "I was incompetent. I failed to protect her."

"It wasn't your fault." With that, Talia turned and walked out of the Main Hall.

Alaric thought for a moment before turning to chase after her.

Cyril stood perfectly still for a second, then calmly turned and walked toward Dorian.

...