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."

say?" Aaron's

lowered her voice, sounding timid. "She said... She said the only reason Serena answers every question right is because... the director leaked her 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 through them. She's convinced the

a sidelong glance but said

free and strode out of the studio without

her foot in frustration as she

Director's office.

to Serena, her eyes alight with excitement. "Serena, with how you performed today, you're the clear frontrunner for the artifact exchange trip. You have to go for

Serena's expression flickered.

artifact exchange event. But now, from Abby's tone, it sounded like she'd have to fight for that spot after

washed over her, though she kept her face perfectly

"Alright, I understand."

prepare-I'm rooting for you," Abby

pushed open the door, and

looked back at the building, suddenly understanding in her bones

"Serena."

voice cut through

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

"Aaron-"

people nearby, Serena's eyes flashed with