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."

beginning to curve into a smile when

know how to flatter people,"

that supposed to mean, Mr. Vance? Are you saying

caught off guard, momentarily speechless. He looked away from Serena

met his gaze, an amused, almost

"Serena, don't be so naive. A few sweet

worth have to do with you, Mr. Vance?

had she finished speaking than Aaron's phone began

glanced at the

His expression darkened immediately.

to know who was calling-after all, that

Lynwood. Content belo Cynthia

he caught a faint, mocking smile

bit surprised. She simply watched him, calm

moment later, the phone rang

irritation grew. He hung up

Cynthia's call came through

widened. "Mr.

you'd

no etter answer Miss

call,