Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 253

Serena lay motionless on the bed, her face ghastly pale, as if the life had been drained out of her.

Aaron felt as though a giant fist had gripped his heart, squeezing tight. He rushed to her side and reached out, desperate for any sign of life.

A faint breath brushed against his palm. The crushing weight in his chest loosened for a heartbeat—only to clench again, even tighter than before.

He didn’t pause to think. Instinct took over. In one swift movement, he bent down, scooped Serena into his arms, and hurried toward the door.

Their neighbor, startled by the sight of Serena’s waxen face in Aaron’s arms, gasped and quickly stepped aside to let them pass.

***

Grayson Group Headquarters.

“Mr. Grayson, the hotel for Mr. Weatherly has been arranged,” Finn reported crisply.

Determined to avoid any more mishaps, Finn had spent three days searching for a location that was both discreet and secure.

As soon as the arrangements were in place, he hurried back to deliver the news.

William Grayson looked up, pushing aside the papers on his desk. “Are you absolutely certain nothing can go wrong?”

“Yes, sir. The hotel is one of our own properties, reserved exclusively for Grayson family members. There’s no way anyone from outside can get in—not even Aaron, no matter how resourceful he is.”

William gave a slight nod, but his striking eyes betrayed a flicker of unease.

He tapped his long fingers against the desk, the rhythmic sound echoing softly through the office.

“Finn.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Tell me—why do you think Aaron is doing all this?”

Finn hesitated, caught off guard by the question. He shook his head honestly. “I’m not sure, sir.”

He paused, then continued under William’s encouraging gaze, “But… something about this whole situation feels staged.”

“Staged?” William’s brows knitted together.

“Yes. Think about that ridiculous sweater…” Finn trailed off as William’s expression soured.