Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

William smiled, his expression indulgent. "Didn't you say you wanted to visit Scandinavia? I happen to have some business over there—a deal that just won't close. I heard the company's owner used to be a watchmaker. You two are bound to have a lot to talk about. Maybe that's the angle we need to finally seal the partnership."

The light in Serena's eyes faded, replaced by a wave of relief.

Of course. William couldn't possibly be interested in her that way.

She'd almost let Gabrielle's wild ideas get to her.

"No problem," Serena replied. "You've helped me so much. It's only right I help you out, too."

William's smile deepened, a warmth flickering in his gaze.

Scandinavia really was the perfect place—if only because Aaron wouldn't be there.

The two of them wandered through the garden until nightfall, enjoying the peace before heading off to their own homes.

For the next two days, Serena stayed in the hospital, not venturing out or letting her mind wander. She didn't bother checking the online drama swirling around her name.

Her happiest moments were when William came by to visit.

They rarely talked much-he was often working, she was busy reading. The room was quiet, peaceful, and felt perfectly harmonious.

Every now and then, Serena would glance up and catch William's handsome profile in the lamplight. The sight always left her a little dazed.

She'd imagined scenes like this before-but in those dreams, the man beside her was always Aaron.

She never expected her wish would come true with William instead.

Early the next morning, Serena hurried to the TV studio to film the third episode of Antiquities Gambit.

William insisted on driving her there, so she had no choice but to accept his offer. The moment they arrived, a crowd surged out from the building like a tidal wave. It wasn't until Serena got out of the car that she realized they were all reporters.

She quickly shut the back door behind her, but the reporters immediately swarmed around.

"Miss Sullivan! Is it true you and Mr. William Grayson are in a relationship?"

"So it was Mr. Grayson who had your online posts deleted, right?"

"Why did you join Antiquities Gambit? Isn't it just an educational show with hardly any ratings? Are you doing it just to chase some fleeting fame?"

The questions came fast and relentless.

Serena was used to people twisting the truth about her, but she'd never gotten comfortable defending herself under the harsh glare of cameras and flashbulbs.

Just as she was wondering how handle the onslaught, the driver's door opened and Finn steppedout, his face set in a stern expression as he opened the back door.

The reporters immediately spotted William inside.

He sat in a seat clearly tailored for him, a faint smile on his lips-like a gentle morning breeze brushing across their faces. Yet beneath that calm, there was a chill so sharp it made everyone shudder.

The reporters fell silent, suddenly wary.

William's smile only grew. "Didn't you all have plenty of questions? Now that you've got the chance, why not make the most of it?"

The tension in the air grew palpable.

Everyone knew William had once been the golden boy of high society, a star who'd fallen from grace. But to ordinary reporters, he was still untouchable.

They'd only dared to chase after Serena because she, unlike William, had no powerful connections.

"What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?" William's gaze swept over the crowd, his smile friendly and polite.noveldrama

"Um...we, we..." One reporter stammered, but nobody seemed willing to meet his eyes.