Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 256

Serena sat on the couch, her attention fixed on the television, as if she hadn't even noticed the tension simmering between the two men in the room.

Her long, silky hair cascaded over her cheekbones, framing her petite face and accentuating her delicate features. There was a serene focus in her expression; she looked softer, calmer, and more composed than usual—no hint of irritation, just a gentle tranquility that seemed to settle the atmosphere.

For a moment, even Aaron’s usually cold and guarded heart felt a little less impenetrable.

“Serena, you’re up next,” William’s warm voice cut through the silence, snapping Aaron back to reality and instantly rebuilding the icy walls around his heart.

He glanced at the screen.

There, on TV, was Serena—gone was the nervousness she’d shown in her first appearance, replaced by an air of poise and maturity. She looked so self-assured now.

Aaron had already seen this segment being filmed, but watching it again, he didn’t find it dull at all. In fact, he found himself genuinely interested.

“Serena,” William’s voice echoed again, this time from the TV. “You’re even better this time. You’ve got real stage presence—more mature, and your timing is excellent. You handled yourself with a lot of confidence and control.”

Serena’s eyes lit up at the straightforward praise. “Really?”

“Absolutely,” William replied, smiling. “I’ve worked with plenty of performers, and for someone new to have your kind of poise—it’s rare.”

Serena’s lips were just beginning to curve into a smile when a heavy, dismissive scoff sounded from nearby.

“Mr. Grayson does know how to flatter people,” Aaron muttered.

Serena shot him an annoyed look. “And what’s that supposed to mean, Mr. Vance? Are you saying I didn’t do well?”

Aaron was caught off guard, momentarily speechless. He looked away from Serena and locked eyes with William.

William met his gaze, an amused, almost investigative glint in his eyes.

Aaron’s expression hardened as he turned away. “Serena, don’t be so naive. A few sweet words shouldn’t make your head spin. You should know your own worth.”

Serena’s temper flared instantly. She let out a cold laugh. “And what does my worth have to do with you, Mr. Vance? Shouldn’t you be worrying about Miss Lynwood? She’s probably wondering where you’ve disappeared to.”

Serena’s smile widened. “Mr. Vance, you’d better answer Miss Lynwood’s call, or the nurse will be in here soon to tell you to keep it down.”

Aaron frowned, finally accepting the call as he strode out of the hospital room.

Serena watched his retreating back, raising an eyebrow to herself.

She just knew Aaron would answer Cynthia’s call in the end.

“You really do seem to be over Aaron,” William said, unable to hide the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Serena turned to look at him, her own lips curved in a small, wry smile. “I’ve given up on love altogether. What could possibly be left for me to hold onto?”

William’s smile faltered, slipping away. He took a slow breath and finally met Serena’s gaze.

“If Aaron ever changed his mind,” he asked quietly, “would you go back to him?”