Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 289

But almost immediately, William looked away, as if he couldn't bear to meet her eyes.

A cold ache settled in Serena's chest.

Then William's voice cut through the tension.

"Yes, we never managed to make our engagement official in the end, but she was once my fiancée. That makes her family—at least, in part. Her problems are my problems. So if any of you still want to come after her, you'd better think twice about whether you're up for it."

Penelope and Bella from Alderburg University froze in shock.

William's meaning couldn't have been clearer.

If anyone wanted to mess with Serena again, they'd have to deal with the Grayson family first.

And in Northspire, the Graysons were a mountain no one could move. Just a flick of their finger would be enough to crush people like Penelope and Bella.

Penelope didn't dare utter another word. She quickly grabbed Bella's arm and all but dragged her away.

reason—or dignity-left to stay. But before he left, he turned back for a moment, shooting a glare at Giles.

and glared right back, her stare cold as

hesitated, then quickly turned

scoffed, hands on her hips as she watched the three of them retreat. "Well, they finally left. I've seen shameless people before, but never anyone quite like them. If we weren't in a courthouse right

left her mouth, Gabrielle suddenly remembered: Penelope was Serena's mother. Maybe saying all

turned.

gave a small wave, as if reading Gabrielle's

back to Serena. Ever since Serena returned,

trembling nonstop, probably unable

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fact that she'd inadvertently

she wouldn't be able to handle that kind of guilt herself The more she thought about it, the more she despised Penelope's cruel heart-and the more she ached

clenched her teeth, itching to turn around and teach

broke through her thoughts. "Mr. Weatherly, could

at

meeting Serena's gaze. "What is

as if nothing had happened, spoke