Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 218

"Evelyn's dying wish was for me to take care of her!"

Serena's face didn't betray a flicker of emotion-she might as well have been a bystander, untouched by the news.

Aaron's brows knitted together. The silence stretching between them only made him more impatient.

"You really have nothing to say to me?"

"No. This is your personal business. You didn't need to come here just to tell me."

"I've told you my most closely guarded secret..."

"So what? Am I supposed to fall at your feet in gratitude, throw myself into your arms, and thank you like you've just bestowed salvation?" Serena's lips twisted into a cold, mocking smile. "Aaron, you don't understand love. And apparently, you don't understand what it means when something's over. We're finished. Do you get that?"

Aaron's scowl deepened. "Serena, do you honestly think you can survive in this cutthroat world all on your own? Forget everything else—what about that house full of antiques? Do you really believe you can protect them?"

Serena's expression changed instantly.

Her hands balled into fists as she shot back, her voice icy: "My affairs are none of your concern, Mr. Vance!"

that, she strode toward her apartment complex,

the security guard at the gate stepped in his way. "Sir, please sign

eyes narrowed as he glanced up, catching one last glimpse of Serena disappearing inside. He gave the guard a cold, withering look, then turned and walked

sank onto the sofa. This time, she didn't get

words had struck a

Penelope eyeing her antiques; plenty of others

that collection on her

She needed a plan.

next day, when she arrived at the TV studio to sign her contract, she was still distracted,

herself to focus, reading through every

"All set."

the stamped contract. "Filming starts in five days. Just

"Okay."

Serena stood and left.

car, and

there, she couldn't shake

rearview mirror, there was

she just being

into the parking lot at the restoration