Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 243

Rosa froze mid-motion. "What... what do you mean by that?"

Cynthia Lynwood looked positively innocent. "Me? Oh, nothing! I just think Serena's really talented. Anyway, I'm off to find my boyfriend. Good luck, Ms. Fairchild!"

She flashed Rosa an encouraging thumbs-up before skipping away, light as a feather.

Watching Cynthia's retreating figure, Rosa felt her heart sink a little.

Rumor had it that if you won this competition, you'd get the chance to attend the Eldoria artifact restitution event-where priceless relics would be returned to the Republic of Valeria.

As a passionate antiquities lover, this was the opportunity of a lifetime.

She glanced again in the direction Serena and the director had gone, then clenched her jaw in determination.

Meanwhile, Cynthia hurried off, having spotted Aaron heading out.

She caught up with him in a few quick steps, looping her arm through his. "Aaron, wait up! My legs are too short."

Aaron started to pull his arm away, but Cynthia quickly added, "Hey, do you know what Ms. Fairchild just said to me? She actually claimed that Serena... Oh, never mind. It's probably just silly gossip."

she say?" Aaron's voice grew

the answers. Ms. Fairchild said some of the questions were so obscure, even she didn't know them—and she's the expert! But Serena just breezed

a sidelong glance

strode out of the studio

foot in frustration as she

Director's office.

turned to Serena, her eyes alight with excitement. "Serena, with how you performed today, you're the clear frontrunner for

Serena's expression flickered.

Abby promised her a spot at the artifact exchange event. But now, from

her,

"Alright, I understand."

prepare-I'm rooting for you,"

pushed open the door, and

suddenly

"Serena."

cold voice cut through

turned to see Aaron. Instinctively, she spun around to leave, but he caught her

"Aaron-"

a few people nearby, Serena's eyes