Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 256

Serena sat on the couch, her attention fixed on the television, as if she hadn't even noticed the tension simmering between the two men in the room.

Her long, silky hair cascaded over her cheekbones, framing her petite face and accentuating her delicate features. There was a serene focus in her expression; she looked softer, calmer, and more composed than usual no hint of irritation, just a gentle tranquility that seemed to settle the atmosphere.

For a moment, even Aaron's usually cold and guarded heart felt a little less impenetrable.

"Serena, you're up next," William's warm voice cut through the silence, snapping Aaron back to reality and instantly rebuilding the icy walls around his heart.

He glanced at the screen.

There, on TV, was Serena-gone was the nervousness she'd shown in her first appearance, replaced by an air of poise and maturity. She looked so self-assured

now.

Aaron had already seen this segment being filmed, but watching it again, he didn't find it dull at all. In fact, he found himself genuinely interested.

"Serena," William's voice echoed again, this time from the TV. "You're even better this time. You've got real stage presence-more mature, and your timing is excellent. You handled yourself with a lot of confidence and control."

Serena's eyes lit up at the straightforward praise. "Really?"

"Absolutely," William replied, smiling. "I've worked with plenty of performers, and for someone new to have your kind of poise-it's rare."

into a smile when a heavy, dismissive scoff sounded

does know how to flatter

supposed to mean, Mr. Vance? Are you saying I didn't do

looked away from Serena and locked

amused,

naive. A few sweet

out a cold laugh. "And what does my worth have to do with you, Mr. Vance? Shouldn't you

finished speaking

the screen: Cynthia

His expression darkened immediately.

to know who

Lynwood. Content belo Cynthia

Aaron looked up, he caught a faint, mocking smile in Serena's

least bit surprised. She

phone rang again. Cynthia

He

seconds later, Cynthia's call

smile widened.

you'd

etter answer Miss

call,