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.

Samuel a message, saying she'd wait for him in the

had been a moral failure, but today,

she and Samuel had been forced to park along a narrow school

waited by the car for over ten minutes without a reply from Samuel or his

saw Yvonne, Cynthia Lynwood, and Aaron

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

and chatting, though Aaron maintained a stern demeanor. Cynthia Lynwood's presence encouraged the others to

her with a smile, "waiting for

Lynwood's

He was right.

the

wonder she

the mention of VP Lewis, Yvonne's expression

Serena's

had backfired, making Samuel despise her even

thought twisted her heart

and Serena had chatted alone,

the first time

She was secretly thrilled.

Serena

Had she misplaced them?

shivered at Samuel's