Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 268

"This..."

"Well, actually..."

No one dared meet William's eyes. Heads remained bowed, the silence thick.

William's voice was calm but carried an unmistakable authority. "I understand- you're all here chasing stories, just trying to make a living. But Miss Sullivan isn't a celebrity; there's nothing juicy to dig up about her. Now, I do have plenty of gossip about real stars. If you're interested, my assistant can take you somewhere private to talk."

Instantly, the reporters perked up, their eyes lighting up with anticipation.

In a flurry, they followed Finn out of the lobby.

Serena watched as the crowd of journalists disappeared almost as quickly as they'd arrived, genuine surprise flickering in her gaze.

"They... just left?"

William smiled at her, a hint of gentle amusement in his eyes. "Given the choice between offending the Grayson family and getting their hands on some blockbuster celebrity gossip, it's not a difficult decision. These people aren't fools -they'll always do what's best for themselves."

Serena turned to him, gratitude softening her features. "Thank you."

entrance. "You'd better

a few steps, a thought struck her, and she spun around

"William."

He paused. "Yes?"

"Is the gossip Finn's sharing even real? And if it is, can you give me a heads-up

there in the golden morning light, her eyes bright with mischief. His own gaze softened, a trace of fondness curling his

smile bloomed

and then turned back toward the studio,

the TV station, Rosa and Cynthia Lynwood were

deep in conversation

up the moment Serena walked in, their eyes following her Behind them, the waiting audience caught sight of

started it, but

shame!" and the accusation was swiftly

reverberated with the chant, relentless

smug

end of vicious online attacks. Panic had set in immediately-she'd called Aaron

for reasons she

to the hotel. Anxiety gnawed at her until, finally,

when he arrived, seeing Cynthia being attacked hardly seemed to faze him. It was only when Serena's name was dragged through the