Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 233

After a long moment, Serena finally let go of Giles.

Giles seized the opportunity and slammed the door shut with a bang.

Reluctantly, Serena glanced back at the closed door before turning to William. “I’ve got a towel in my car. Let me help you dry off.”

“No need, Finn’s here.” William’s reply was gentle but firm.

It was only then that Serena noticed someone else standing quietly behind William.

It was Finn.

Normally sharp and quick on his feet, Finn now looked utterly stunned, rooted to the spot like a statue. A few seconds ticked by before he snapped out of it, spun around, and hurried back to the car to fetch the towel.

He was about to dab William dry himself when he caught William’s icy look—a clear warning. Finn froze, then quickly handed the towel to Serena instead.

He still looked dazed, his mind reeling from everything that had just happened.

It was all so much to take in.

He could barely process it.

The day had started out so simply. They were supposed to head to the office for a meeting. But right before leaving, William suddenly announced he didn’t want to hold the meeting in person, so they switched to a virtual call instead.

Finn had assumed they’d just do the meeting from home.

Instead, William had them drive to a coffee shop across from a local TV station.

And halfway through the meeting, William told him to leave the coffee shop and drive somewhere else.

Finn had no idea what was going on. He just followed William’s directions, confused and a little anxious.

The drive took them to this old, run-down neighborhood, with its shabby villas and overgrown yards.

And then he saw something that left him speechless.

—Mr. William shielding Miss Sullivan from a splash of water!

William always seemed approachable, easygoing even. But Finn knew better. William was no saint.

So when Giles threw water at William, Finn had honestly feared for Giles—his heart was in his throat.

“A friend of mine lives here,” William lied smoothly, showing no sign of discomfort. “I just happened to see you.”

He glanced at the tightly closed door. “What about you? Why are you here?”

Serena was never one to open up easily. But, somehow, in front of William, she found herself letting her guard down again and again.

Maybe it was the way his eyes made her feel safe.

She briefly told him about Penelope’s lawsuit.

William listened, then frowned in concern. “That doesn’t make sense.”

“What doesn’t?”

“Penelope shouldn’t be suing you.”

Serena gave a wry smile. “She’ll do anything if it means getting that antique for her daughter.”

“That’s not what I mean.” William’s brows drew together. “Last time, Aaron warned Penelope. She has no reason to risk crossing Aaron by filing this lawsuit.”