Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 155

In Northspire, quite a few people have a passion for collecting antiques, so finding someone interested in this field isn't difficult.

William's voice was as soothing as a gentle stream when he began to speak.

Behind him was a large window, and outside, the Northspire moon glowed with a soft, luminous light that seemed to ease the tension on Serena's face.

"However," William continued, shifting his tone, "there are plenty of restoration experts here in Northspire. Why go out of your way?"

Serena gave a wry smile. "You're just teasing me, aren't you?"

William smiled slightly. "I see you're smiling, yet your brow is furrowed. Why don't you tell me what's troubling you first, before we talk about antiques?"

Serena was taken aback, not expecting William's perceptiveness.

"Oh, it's nothing, just everyday hassles," she deflected, steering the conversation back to antiques. "I know Northspire is full of skilled restorers, but in Alderburg, I can't find any clients. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to you."

William chuckled. "So, I'm your backup plan?"

Serena's eyes widened. "That's not what I meant."

"I know," William replied, seeing the anxious look on her face. His laughter grew more hearty. "Why are you so easy to tease?"

Serena frowned slightly.

William for long, but she had lost count of how

William reined in

turned her head slightly, avoiding William's

felt a twinge of urgency and quickly said, "I didn't mean to. It's just

Serena burst into laughter on the other end of the

to realize he had been

chuckled, both amused

even now." Serena declared triumphantly, looking at William

a fond smile.

they gradually returned to

quite a few people in the antique circles. I'll ask him to keep an eye out for anyone needing restoration work and

"Thanks a lot."

settled, they fell silent. Neither of them ended

deep, resonant

"Serena."

"Yes?"

to stay stuck in Alderburg

the wings of a wounded butterfly. After a

didn't press her, but he didn't

the end, it was