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!"

her apartment complex,

the gate stepped in his

of Serena disappearing inside.

home, Serena sank onto the sofa.

had struck

Penelope eyeing her antiques; plenty of others were circling, waiting

collection on her own?

She needed a plan.

The next day, when she arrived at the

to focus, reading through every line of the contract

"All set."

in five days.

"Okay."

Serena stood and left.

her car, and drove back to the

couldn't shake

there was nothing-no suspicious car, nothing

she just

pulled into the parking lot at the restoration