Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 155

In Northspire, quite a few people have a passion for collecting antiques, so finding someone interested in this field isn't difficult.

William's voice was as soothing as a gentle stream when he began to speak.

Behind him was a large window, and outside, the Northspire moon glowed with a soft, luminous light that seemed to ease the tension on Serena's face.

"However," William continued, shifting his tone, "there are plenty of restoration experts here in Northspire. Why go out of your way?"

Serena gave a wry smile. "You're just teasing me, aren't you?"

William smiled slightly. "I see you're smiling, yet your brow is furrowed. Why don't you tell me what's troubling you first, before we talk about antiques?"

Serena was taken aback, not expecting William's perceptiveness.

"Oh, it's nothing, just everyday hassles," she deflected, steering the conversation back to antiques. "I know Northspire is full of skilled restorers, but in Alderburg, I can't find any clients. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to you."

William chuckled. "So, I'm your backup plan?"

Serena's eyes widened. "That's not what I meant."

"I know," William replied, seeing the anxious look on her face. His laughter grew more hearty. "Why are you so easy to tease?"

Serena frowned slightly.

She hadn't known William for long, but she had lost count of how many times he had teased her.

Sensing her discomfort, William reined in his smile. "Are you upset?"

Serena turned her head slightly, avoiding William's gaze.

William felt a twinge of urgency and quickly said, "I didn't mean to. It's just that you seemed a bit down tonight..."

Before he could finish, Serena burst into laughter on the other end of the video call, leaving William momentarily stunned.

It took him a moment to realize he had been fooled.

He chuckled, both amused and exasperated.

"We're even now." Serena declared triumphantly, looking at William on her phone screen.

William gave her a fond smile. "Yes, yes, we are."