Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 195

The school anniversary celebration finally came to an end with the strains of "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban echoing through the auditorium.

Serena and Rock joined the throng of people streaming out of the building.

"Serena, it's still early. Want to take a stroll around the campus?" Rock suggested.

Serena shook her head.

The day had been so eventful, she was exhausted and just wanted to leave.

"Alright then," Rock replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Maybe next time, you can show me the antiques you've restored?"

Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes, Serena couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth.

Once the celebration was over, she would be leaving Alderburg.

They might never see each other again.

"Sure," she lied.

"See you next time, then."

Serena nodded slightly and turned toward the parking lot.

Samuel and Joy hadn't returned by the time the event ended.

message, saying she'd wait for him in

been a moral failure, but

Samuel had been forced to park along

minutes

she saw Yvonne, Cynthia Lynwood, and Aaron

led the group, surrounded by his followers, with Cynthia Lynwood at his

clung tightly to Cynthia Lynwood's arm, ensuring a spot in the front row. The group was laughing and chatting, though Aaron maintained a stern demeanor. Cynthia Lynwood's presence encouraged the others to joke boldly. Their laughter ceased abruptly when

her with a smile, "waiting

Cynthia Lynwood's venomous gaze behind her

He was right.

crinkled with mirth, the smile was hollow,

she wanted her

the mention of VP Lewis,

Serena's true nature to Samuel

making Samuel

thought twisted her

and Serena had chatted alone, Samuel had

was the first time Samuel suggested they meet

She was secretly thrilled.

told her that Serena

Had she misplaced them?

shivered at Samuel's