Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 195

The school anniversary celebration finally came to an end with the strains of "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban echoing through the auditorium.

Serena and Rock joined the throng of people streaming out of the building.

"Serena, it's still early. Want to take a stroll around the campus?" Rock suggested.

Serena shook her head.

The day had been so eventful, she was exhausted and just wanted to leave.

"Alright then," Rock replied, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "Maybe next time, you can show me the antiques you've restored?"

Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes, Serena couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth.

Once the celebration was over, she would be leaving Alderburg.

They might never see each other again.

"Sure," she lied.

"See you next time, then."

Serena nodded slightly and turned toward the parking lot.

Samuel and Joy hadn't returned by the time the event ended.

She sent Samuel a message, saying she'd wait for him in the car.

Joy's betrayal had been a moral failure, but today, drugging her was a criminal act.

The crowd had been overwhelming, and she and Samuel had been forced to park along a narrow school lane.

She waited by the car for over ten minutes without a reply from Samuel or his arrival.

Instead, she saw Yvonne, Cynthia Lynwood, and Aaron approaching.

Aaron led the group, surrounded by his followers, with Cynthia Lynwood at his side.

Yvonne clung tightly to Cynthia Lynwood's arm, ensuring a spot in the front row.

The group was laughing and chatting, though Aaron maintained a stern demeanor. Cynthia Lynwood's presence encouraged the others to joke boldly.

Their laughter ceased abruptly when they noticed Serena.

"Serena," Cynthia Lynwood greeted her with a smile, "waiting for VP Lewis?"

Serena recalled Rock's comment about Cynthia Lynwood's venomous gaze behind her sweet smile.

He was right.