Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 231

The show’s reshoot began, and it didn’t take long for Abby to notice something different about Serena.

She still looked as nonchalant as ever, but whenever a question came up, there was a spark of challenge in her eyes—a glint that made her entire presence shine.

It was as if a pearl had finally revealed its dazzling luster.

Even the crew behind the monitors exchanged astonished looks.

After Serena answered ten questions correctly in a row, the other three contestants on stage realized she was far from just a pretty face.

She was smart—and strikingly beautiful.

None of them dared to underestimate her now.

They brought their A-game, ready for anything.

The stage instantly became a four-way battlefield—leaving Cynthia Lynwood standing awkwardly off to the side, not quite sure what to do with herself.

Cynthia was close to hating Serena at this point.

But on camera, she could only keep smiling.

By the end of the shoot, Cynthia’s forced smile felt practically glued to her face.

She was so irritated that she stormed downstairs without even saying goodbye to the director.

Everyone else was still caught up in Serena’s stellar performance, so nobody really noticed Cynthia slipping away.

“Serena, you were amazing!” Abby was the happiest of them all.

She clapped Serena on the shoulder. “Trust me, when this airs, you’re going to be a star.”

Serena didn’t care about that.

All she wanted was not to see Cynthia Lynwood again.

The other three contestants soon gathered around, their faces showing a hint of embarrassment.

“I never expected Miss Sullivan to be so knowledgeable at such a young age! Truly impressive.”

“Absolutely—there were several antiques in those photos I’d never even seen before. Miss Sullivan, how did you know about them?”

“Serena, let’s exchange contact info.”

They were so warm and enthusiastic that Serena finally gave in and shared her number.

But she had other things to take care of—

“Let’s catch up another time,” she said, “I’ve got to run.”

With that, she hurried out.

Giles lost.

It was his first defeat.

After that, he never took another case, and gradually vanished from the public eye.

Serena glanced up at the house in front of her, then double-checked the address on her screen.

Satisfied it was correct, she walked up and knocked on the door.

It was a long time before an elderly voice called out from inside, “Just leave it at the door!”

Serena responded, “Excuse me, sir, I’m here to see Giles.”

Silence.

Unwilling to give up, she pressed the doorbell again.

Still no answer.

It was almost as if she’d imagined the voice in the first place.

Out of options, Serena turned to the building manager for help.

“Oh, you mean the owner of 203?” he said kindly. “He’s always home, never goes out. But—” He hesitated, lowering his voice, “Unless it’s something urgent, you might want to leave him be.”