Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 68

"There's a celebration dinner on Friday. You need to be there."

Another order.

Serena clenched her fists. "I'm not going!"

"You have to!" Aaron's tone was authoritative, leaving no room for argument.

"And what if I just don't go?" Serena bit her lip defiantly.

"There is no 'what if.'" With that, Aaron turned and walked away, disappearing through the doorway.

Serena picked up the glass in her hand and hurled it toward the door. "Aaron, you're such a jerk!"

Downstairs, Aaron paused briefly before leaving the house.

Over an hour later.

Serena finally composed herself and went downstairs.

The breakfast had gone cold.

Used to fending for herself, Serena headed to the kitchen.

But as she reached for the eggs, she noticed Olivia standing in the doorway.

They stood in silence, the atmosphere tense.

Finally, Olivia spoke. "Pasta?"

Serena nodded.

Olivia stepped into the kitchen. "You should leave."

With swift movements, Olivia took out a pot and started boiling water.

Serena hesitated for a moment.

"Don't get in the way," Olivia said, gently nudging Serena out of the kitchen.

Once outside, Serena realized Olivia's intention.

She lingered in the dining room, and before long, a steaming bowl of pasta was placed in front of her.

"Thank you," Serena said.

Olivia said nothing, just turned back to the servants' quarters.

Serena didn't hold back, diving into the bowl of pasta.

"No need," Serena declined immediately.

Olivia looked surprised. It was the perfect opportunity to appear vulnerable in front of Mr. Vance.

Cynthia Lynwood would never miss a chance to show weakness to Mr. Vance.

"I'll head back now," Olivia said.

There was still a mountain of tasks waiting for her at the house.

"Alright."

As Olivia left the hospital room, she unexpectedly ran into Matthew at the elevator.

"Olivia, what brings you to the hospital? Visiting Cynthia?"

"No, it's Miss Sullivan who's in the hospital."

"Se..." Matthew's expression changed slightly. "Serena?"

"Yes, she... something with her stomach. Oh, Dr. Grayson, my memory's failing me. Anyway, it’s stomach-related. I have to go now!"

"Okay." Matthew waved her off with a cheerful smile, though a subtle calculation flickered in his eyes.