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."

lips were just beginning to curve into a smile when a heavy, dismissive scoff sounded from

how to

look. "And what's that supposed to mean, Mr. Vance? Are you saying I didn't

momentarily speechless. He looked away

amused, almost investigative glint

don't be so naive. A few sweet words shouldn't make your head spin. You should know

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

sooner had she finished speaking than Aaron's

the screen: Cynthia

His expression darkened immediately.

even have to look to know who was calling-after all, that ringto

Lynwood. Content belo Cynthia

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

bit surprised. She simply watched him, calm and

the phone

He hung up

seconds later, Cynthia's call

smile widened. "Mr.

you'd

etter

call,