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."

just beginning to curve into a smile when a heavy, dismissive scoff

know how

shot him an annoyed look. "And what's that supposed to

momentarily speechless. He looked away

met his gaze, an amused, almost investigative glint

expression hardened as he turned away. "Serena, don't be so naive. A few sweet words shouldn't make your head spin. You should

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

sooner had she finished speaking than Aaron's phone

the

His expression darkened immediately.

know who was calling-after

Lynwood. Content belo Cynthia

a faint, mocking smile in Serena's eyes. Gritting his teeth, he

surprised. She simply watched him, calm and

later, the phone rang again. Cynthia

grew. He hung up once

Cynthia's

smile widened. "Mr.

you'd

no etter answer Miss

call,