Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 162

"Samuel may not have your wealth and influence, but L.S. Entertainment wouldn't be what it is today without him. He certainly deserves your respect, at least enough for a toast!" Serena's voice cut through the room like a bitter winter wind, cold and piercing.

Aaron tilted his head back, gazing at Serena silently. After a moment, a slight smirk curled his lips, but his eyes remained as icy as ever. "He doesn't deserve it."

Serena took a deep breath. She knew that continuing this argument with Aaron would only fuel his stubbornness. She raised her glass, downed the contents in one swift motion, and then turned the glass upside down on the table. "Satisfied, Mr. Vance?"

A sharp pain twisted in her stomach, causing her to frown briefly, but she quickly masked it with a calm demeanor. Aaron's gaze grew even colder.

Just then, a muffled sobbing broke the tense silence in the room. "Aaron, I'm sorry, it's all my fault. I insisted on coming in, and now..." Cynthia Lynwood's voice trembled as she clutched her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. "It's all my fault. I'll leave right away..."

With that, she fled the room. Serena seized the moment. "Aren't you going to follow her, Mr. Vance?"

Aaron's eyes narrowed, locking onto Serena's. "Do you want me to?"

"Of course."

His gaze was as cold as ever, but a sardonic smile played on his lips before he turned and left.

As the door closed behind Aaron and Cynthia, the remaining guests exchanged uneasy glances and murmurs of disbelief.

"Serena, are you alright?" Samuel asked with concern. "I should have done better research. If I'd known Mr. Vance and Miss Lynwood would be here..."

"Samuel, it's not your fault," Serena reassured him. She glanced around at the other attendees, who sat frozen in their seats, hesitant to touch their food. She smiled warmly, "Come on, everyone, let's not sit here like statues. Dig in!"

Her encouragement finally broke the tension, and everyone began to eat, though the atmosphere never quite regained its earlier warmth.