Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 219

The very next moment—

When Serena saw it was Gabrielle, she let out a long sigh of relief.

She opened the door. “What are you doing here?”

Gabrielle’s tense expression eased a little. “You were in your car for ages. I was starting to think something had happened to you.”

“It’s your fault,” Serena muttered, rubbing her temples. “Why are you following me?”

Gabrielle threw up her hands, feigning innocence. “Hey, I wasn’t following you! I just happened to be leaving the hotel and saw your car, so I pulled over to say hi…”

She yawned, looking like she hadn’t slept a wink.

Serena eyed her. “Rough night?”

“Well, of course—” Gabrielle’s lips curled into a sly grin. But when she saw Serena’s cool, indifferent face, her interest was piqued. Slipping an arm around Serena’s shoulders, she teased, “Last time, I brought a whole crowd of male models and you didn’t even blink. Tonight, I’m taking you somewhere new. The men there—mmm, trust me.”

Serena wasn’t having any of it. “Forget it. I’ve got work tonight.”

“Work will always be there, but men like these? Their prime is over before you know it. Today they’re in full bloom, but tomorrow, who knows? So it’s settled—I’ll pick you up tonight.”

With that, Gabrielle slid into her car. “I need a nap before tonight.”

Serena just shook her head.

Truth be told, she hadn’t always been this talkative.

Especially after her father passed away.

But back in middle school, Gabrielle had become her desk mate.

Gabrielle was a chatterbox—louder than a flock of magpies at dawn.

At first, Serena only replied out of politeness, unable to withstand the barrage. But slowly, almost without realizing it, she started talking more herself.

Serena fastened her seatbelt, and with a roar, Gabrielle pulled away, heading toward the mysterious place she’d been bragging about.

An hour later, they pulled up outside a luxury condominium complex.

Serena barely had time to get her bearings before Gabrielle tugged her out of the car.

Swiping her access card at the gate, Gabrielle leaned in conspiratorially. “This place is super exclusive—most people don’t even know it exists, and the rules are strict. Just stick with me, don’t wander off.”

She winked. “But the male models here? Absolutely top shelf. You’ll forget all about Aaron the minute you walk in.”

Serena just rolled her eyes.

They followed a staff member down a long, winding path. Serena lost track of time and direction, but eventually the trail opened up, and before her eyes rose a towering, imposing building.

Inside, a grand chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting dazzling lights across the marble-floored lobby.