Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 76

Because—

Vivian appeared in front of her.

She held a wine glass delicately, swirling it as she looked down at Serena with an air of superiority as if she were observing an insignificant insect.

"Serena, you must be feeling quite triumphant now, right? My brother never used to bring you to company events, but today, he broke the tradition. Looking at the way you're dressed, it's clear you put a lot of effort into it. But no matter how hard you try, you can't even compare to a single strand of Cynthia Lynwood's hair.

You probably don't know, but today's celebration isn't just about the first successful collaboration between Vance Holdings and Grayson Group. My brother plans to announce something very important.

Can you guess what it is?"

Serena took a sip of her drink, completely ignoring Vivian.

Vivian was fuming.

"Serena! What are you so proud of? Do you really think just because my brother said a few words in your favor, he's interested in you? Let me tell you, he's going to announce his engagement! With Cynthia Lynwood!"

Serena's drink spilled slightly, dripping onto her fingers.

"Miss Vance, what does that have to do with me?" she replied, her eyes cool and indifferent.

"You really know how to play innocent. Don't think I don't know what's going on in your mind, Serena. People like you have no right—"

"Smack—"

Before Vivian could finish, a sharp slap landed on her cheek.

In shock, Vivian threw her wine at Serena, "You wretched woman, how dare you hit me!"

"Smack!"

Another sharp slap.

This time, accompanied by the sticky coldness of wine splashed across her face.

Vivian struggled to open her eyes.

Her false eyelashes had fallen, obscuring her view.

Through the blurriness, she saw Serena gracefully wiping the wine from her dress and addressing a nearby staff member, "Please prepare a change of clothes for me."

Serena was preparing to leave.

Ignoring her own disheveled state, Vivian shouted, "Serena, stop right there! Stop!"

He stood at the entrance, clearly not expecting anyone inside. Upon seeing Serena, he slipped into the room, closing the door behind him to shield the scene from prying eyes.

Holding the dress in front of her, Serena said nothing.

Really, Aaron didn’t need to come in.

"Why are you changing clothes?" Aaron's gaze lingered on Serena's ivory shoulders, his throat moving involuntarily.

Serena replied, "It got stained with wine."

She wasn't lying; the dress indeed had a wine stain.

In the dim light, Aaron noticed the dark mark on the fabric, his brow furrowing in displeasure. "How could you be so careless?"

Today, he intended to announce to everyone at the company that Serena was to be the future Mrs. President.

In such a crucial moment, how could there be such a mishap?

Serena's breath caught.

If Aaron realized she had done it on purpose, she wouldn’t be able to slip away today.