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?"

said some of the questions were so obscure, even she didn't know them—and she's the expert! But Serena

a sidelong

free and strode

frustration

Director's office.

the door and turned 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

Serena's expression flickered.

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

betrayal washed over her, though she kept her face perfectly

"Alright, I understand."

prepare-I'm rooting for you,"

pushed open the

stopped and looked back at the building, suddenly understanding in her bones the real meaning of "never let your guard

"Serena."

cold voice cut

Instinctively, she spun around to leave, but

"Aaron-"

people nearby, Serena's eyes flashed with irritation.