Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 217

“Miss Sullivan.”

Abby really didn’t want to let such a promising talent slip through her fingers.

Serena was more striking than any celebrity, and she was an expert in antiques and art restoration, practically tailor-made for Abby’s show.

It was an educational program, and to be honest, the audience for this kind of show was never large to begin with. This year, the higher-ups had specifically requested a series on antiques—and they’d made it clear: if ratings didn’t break into the top three, Abby could start packing her things.

That’s why she’d swallowed her pride and asked her cousin for help. To her surprise, he’d actually come through.

“If you join us, I…I can let you represent our team at the Eldoria artifact exchange event.”

“Artifact exchange?”

“Yes! A hundred years ago, Eldoria took a lot of our country’s artifacts. Now that our nation has grown stronger, they’ve finally agreed to return some of what was taken. Our show is meant to lay the groundwork for this event. Once it wraps up, one person will be chosen to accompany the national delegation to Eldoria for the exchange.”

Abby leaned forward, her eyes shining. “This is the kind of event that will go down in history, Miss Sullivan—don’t you want your name remembered?”

Serena didn’t care much about leaving her mark on history. What actually piqued her interest was the chance to see those artifacts up close.

“I could really go?”

“Absolutely!” Abby saw the spark in Serena’s eyes and nodded eagerly.

Serena considered for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

“That’s the spirit!” Director Thomas said with a broad smile. “Serena, you should really put yourself out there more—let the world see what you can do!”

It was a chance, too, to shine a light on the field of art restoration—maybe inspire more people to appreciate the craft.

Serena smiled faintly. She had no real desire for attention, but she didn’t mind the opportunity.

“Then it’s settled,” Director Thomas said. “Come by the studio tomorrow, and we’ll get the contract signed.”

“And you promised you’d stay in Alderburg.”

Serena fell silent, her expression growing even colder. “Is there a reason you’re here tonight?”

“Do I need a reason to see you? Serena, we were together for four years. Add in the three years you secretly liked me, and that’s seven years in total. Even if we’re broken up, do we really have to act like strangers?”

Serena took a deliberate step back, widening the distance between them. “If you have something to say, Mr. Vance, just say it.”

Her clear intent to keep him at arm’s length made Aaron’s brow furrow deeply.

“Fine. If you come back, I’ll let everything that’s happened recently go.”

Serena almost laughed in disbelief. “Mr. Vance, you can’t be serious.”

“I’m not joking,” Aaron said, his expression somber. “Since you already know about Evelyn, I’ll tell you the rest. The reason I’ve been looking after Cynthia is because seven years ago, she donated a kidney to Evelyn.”