Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 300

Now, there was nothing left between them-Aaron had even less reason to listen to her.

Serena's gaze darted to the fruit knife lying on the table.

She gritted her teeth, snatched up the knife, and pressed it sharply against Cynthia Lynwood's throat.

Cynthia's breath caught in her chest-the sensation was all too familiar.

"Serena..." she whispered, fear trembling in her voice.

"Serena!" Aaron's face was tight with worry. "What are you doing?"

Seeing the concern in Aaron's eyes, Serena, oddly enough, calmed herself. The blade hovered just at Cynthia's neck as she spoke in a cold, steady tone. "Is this reason enough? Leave the Chatham family alone, or—"

Tears began streaming down Cynthia's cheeks. "Aaron, please help me! I don't want to die..."

Aaron's frustration boiled over. "Serena, do you even realize what you're doing? This is a crime. Is it really worth it for someone who's basically a stranger?"

reddened, but she forced

your world, everything comes

a line of people waiting to hand it over. But in my

have to fight for every single thing I

example. All it took was a few calls from

have been mine was

hit

you want first

a laugh—breathtaking, but heartbreakingly fragile. It was the kind of smile that called to mind an orchid blooming on the edge of a cliff, beautiful and

still don't get it.

What I wanted was the chance to participate in the cultural exchange with

expression froze

with first place wasn't about reputation,

it," Serena said, taking a steadying breath. "Why am I even explaining this to you? You've never had to struggle a day in your life. I'll just ask one more

"I'm not going to do anything to the

as Gabrielle stops causing trouble at

as she expected. Serena released her grip on Cynthia. "I hope you'll keep