Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

"This..."

"Well, actually..."

No one dared meet William's eyes. Heads remained bowed, the silence thick.

William's voice was calm but carried an unmistakable authority. "I understand- you're all here chasing stories, just trying to make a living. But Miss Sullivan isn't a celebrity; there's nothing juicy to dig up about her. Now, I do have plenty of gossip about real stars. If you're interested, my assistant can take you somewhere private to talk."

Instantly, the reporters perked up, their eyes lighting up with anticipation.

In a flurry, they followed Finn out of the lobby.

Serena watched as the crowd of journalists disappeared almost as quickly as they'd arrived, genuine surprise flickering in her gaze.

"They... just left?"

William smiled at her, a hint of gentle amusement in his eyes. "Given the choice between offending the Grayson family and getting their hands on some blockbuster celebrity gossip, it's not a difficult decision. These people aren't fools -they'll always do what's best for themselves."

Serena turned to him, gratitude softening her features. "Thank you."

He nodded toward the entrance. "You'd better get inside."

Serena nodded in return, starting toward the television studio. After a few steps, a thought struck her, and she spun around to call after him.

"William."

He paused. "Yes?"

She grinned, eyes sparkling. "Is the gossip Finn's sharing even real? And if it is, can you give me a heads-up next time so I get in on the scoop?"

William looked at her-standing there in the golden morning light, her eyes bright with mischief. His own gaze softened, a trace of fondness curling his lips. "Of course."

Serena's smile bloomed even brighter.

She waved at him, sunlight catching in her hair, and then turned back toward the studio, walking forward with unwavering determination.

Inside the TV station, Rosa and Cynthia Lynwood were already there.

They were deep in conversation but

stood up the moment Serena walked in, their eyes following her Behind them, the waiting audience caught sight of Serena. One by one, expressions of disdain flickered across their faces.

No one knew who started it, but suddenly someone shouted, "Serena, you've got

no shame!" and the accusation was swiftly echoed by dozens of voices.

Soon, the entire studio reverberated with the chant, relentless and in perfect unison.

Cynthia Lynwood listened, a smug satisfaction blooming in her chest.

Ever since the last show aired, she'd found herself on the receiving end of vicious online attacks. Panic had set in immediately-she'd called Aaron in a hurry, desperate for reassurance.

But for reasons she couldn't

understand, after he'd taken her call, Aaron hadn't come back to the hotel. Anxiety gnawed at her until, finally, she resorted to her old tricks and managed to lure Aaron back.

But when he arrived, seeing Cynthia being attacked hardly seemed to faze him. It was only when Serena's name was dragged through the mud that he actually scowled, his face darkening.

So when Aaron later suggested calling in a PR team, Cynthia had deliberately hinted that maybe they should help Serena too-and then volunteered to handle the outreach herself.

Now, thinking back to it all, Cynthia finally exhaled a long, relieved sigh, letting go of the uneasy knot in her chest.

She glanced over at Serena, lips pressed together in a thin, self-satisfied line.

Let's see, she thought, how Serena manages to clear her name this time.

Just then, Serena's gaze met hers-a steady, unwavering look that cut straight through Cynthia like a blade. Cynthia's heart thuddednoveldrama

uncomfortably, her eyes stingel

but she forced herself to hold Serena's gaze, mustering ad cool smile full of open challenge.

Serena smiled back-her expression radiant, as fresh as the morning sun.

She strode confidently onto the stage, undaunted by the jeering crowd, and

picked up the microphone. Her voice rang out, clear and fearless: "So—is anyone brave enough to take me on?"