Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 207

But really, there was no need anymore.

After all, if Aaron could accept that Cynthia Lynwood had killed someone, what else could possibly shock him?

Serena tossed the flash drive into a nearby trash can, then strode out of the airport, her steps quick and determined.

From this moment on, no matter how far the road or how high the mountains, she and Aaron—and Cynthia Lynwood—were finished. Their stories would never intertwine again.

Serena had barely climbed into her cab when her phone rang.

It was William Grayson calling.

She answered.

“I’m back in Northspire,” she said.

“I just arrived in Alderburg,” William replied.

They spoke in unison, both surprised by the coincidence.

A brief silence followed.

After a moment, Serena hesitated. “Didn’t you say you wouldn’t be in Alderburg until next month?”

The smile in William’s voice faded a little. “The project wrapped up ahead of schedule.”

“I see.” Serena tried to hide her disappointment. “Well, when you’re back, let me buy you dinner.”

As for exploring Alderburg together—she realized that was probably a dream that would never come true.

“Deal,” William said.

Once Serena hung up, William slipped his phone into his pocket. He gazed out over the hazy nightscape of Alderburg, brow furrowed in thought.

Turns out, he didn’t care much for the South after all.

Serena arrived at her rented apartment and, before anything else, gave the place a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Only when everything was spotless did she work up the courage to call Director Thomas.

When Director Thomas heard that Serena was finally coming back to work, he could barely contain his excitement. “Wonderful, wonderful! Take it easy today and get some rest. Report to the restoration center tomorrow.”

“Will do,” Serena replied.

She ended the call, then stretched out on the bed. For the first time in a long while, she felt at home.

After all, Northspire was where she truly belonged.

Before she could even knock, she heard his familiar voice from inside.

“Come in, Serena! I could hear everyone the moment you walked in—I just knew you were back.”

She opened the door and saw Director Thomas, his eyes kind and crinkled in a smile. Serena felt her own eyes sting with emotion.

“Director.”

“It’s good to have you home.” Director Thomas beamed at her, his tone gentle and sincere. “I always knew you’d come back, so I made sure to keep this spot open just for you.

Your father’s dream was to make a mark in the world of antique restoration. Now that you’re following in his footsteps, he’d be so proud—if he could see you now, I know he’d be smiling.”

Serena nodded solemnly.

She truly loved restoring antiques—and part of that was because it had been her father’s greatest wish.

“Oh, by the way…” Director Thomas suddenly remembered something. “You couldn’t have come at a better time.”

“Yes, Director?”

He chuckled. “Just the other day, my cousin started a show—something about antiques… ‘Antique Match-Up’ or something like that. Anyway, it’s a program all about sharing the stories and history behind old treasures with the public. The thing is, if it’s just people giving lectures, it gets a bit dry…”