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?"

she forced back

your world, everything comes

a line of people waiting to hand it

have to fight for every single thing I want

competition, for example. All it took

place that should have been mine was snatched away-just like

under the icy glare she shot him. Each word hit like

finally managed, "If you want first place,

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

don't get it. It was

in the cultural exchange

froze in

it—Serena's obsession with first place wasn't about reputation, but

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 time: Cynthia Lynwood

not going to do anything to the Chatham

as Gabrielle stops causing

on Cynthia. "I hope you'll