Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 130

The next moment, Shirley walked in with a grocery basket, her eyes narrowing as she noticed a man in the house. Her expression shifted instantly, and she hurried over to Serena, her tone guarded, "Who are you?"

Seeing Shirley acting like a protective mother hen, Serena quickly explained, "Shirley, this is a friend of Joy's."

Upon learning that he was someone her daughter had brought home, Shirley's expression softened slightly, though she still furrowed her brow in disapproval. However, she managed to hold her tongue.

"Since you're already here, have a seat. I'll make you both something to eat," Shirley said before heading into the kitchen.

For the past few days, Serena had been helping Shirley with the cooking. Seeing Shirley enter the kitchen, she followed her in as well.

In the living room, only Joy and Rock were left.

Noticing Rock's gaze drifting toward the kitchen, Joy moved to block his line of sight, clearly displeased. "Do you like Serena?" she asked bluntly.

Rock was so taken aback by Joy's directness that he coughed several times, his ears turning a noticeable shade of red.

Joy pressed her lips tightly together, "What do you like about Serena?" Rock patted his chest, recovering from the surprise, "Don't be ridiculous." "So, you don't like Serena then?" Hope flickered in Joy's eyes once more. The redness faded from Rock's ears as he put on a serious face, "I do like Serena, but not in a romantic way."

"I'll get you a glass of

vegetables, her voice lowered as

shouldn't be bringing outsiders home at a time like

alright, Shirley. I know him, and he

"Really?"

heart skipped a beat. She glanced out

was cleaner after the heavy rain, and the distant sea looked calm. Yet, she couldn't shake the feeling that a

it was

...

Rosewood Gardens.

we've found it!" Victor hurried into the living room, arms full of

it?" Aaron stood abruptly, knocking over a coffee

glanced at the mess with a hint of concern in his eyes. Since the wedding, Aaron's sleep had become even more elusive, barely snatching an hour or two a night. If this

suggested boldly. "We've

it?" Aaron

the ferocity of