Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 238

Serena's cheeks flushed bright red. "I'm not stupid!" she retorted, her voice sharp with indignation.

With that, she spun on her heel and marched out of the living room, heading for the backyard.

William watched her slender silhouette disappear, a faint smile tugging at his lips, though a shadow of melancholy flickered in his eyes.

He still hadn't figured out how or when-to tell Serena about the marriage license. If he told her now, she'd probably choose divorce without a second thought. And that was the last thing he wanted.

Serena, ever deft with her hands, set to work in the backyard. In no time, she had trimmed and tidied up Giles's garden, transforming it into a neat, inviting space.

Giles stood by, arms folded and expression stern, but a flash of appreciation softened his gaze as he surveyed the results.

"I've finally got a lead on the case," he announced. "You two, come here for a moment."

"No rush," William replied, glancing at his watch. "It's almost eight, and none of us have had dinner. I'll have Finn bring something over."

Giles was used to William's take-charge attitude and didn't object.

he'd texted Finn, William turned to Serena. "Serena, if I

premieres today,

in confusion.

"That's the one."

I'm not sure." Truth was, Serena had no idea when the show would air. After filming wrapped, she'd put the whole thing

with a resigned smile. Pulling out his phone,

from the side, let out a dry little

puzzled look while William, unfazed, tapped away

even loaded, William tucked his phone

Giles snorted again, unimpressed.

over to the TV. "Let's watch it together,

agreed, curiosity piqued. She wondered what she'd look like

hadn't arrived yet, so the three of them gathered in front of the television,

precisely thirteen minutes past eight, the show

fixed on Serena's image in the opening shot. Even though she was just part of the background, standing at the far end of the lineup with dramatic makeup, her beauty was impossible to overlook. She

the initial moment of surprise, Giles quickly lost interest. He'd never cared much for antiques. William, on the