Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

She put down her phone, feeling utterly exhausted, yet Serena still pulled up the financial reports of L.S. Entertainment from the past few years. Samuel was the one managing L.S. Entertainment, and Serena had absolute faith in him. She couldn't believe he would ever commit a crime; there must be some

misunderstanding.

She meticulously went through the figures, and before she knew it, it was already three in the morning, with no irregularities in sight. Serena stifled a yawn, ready to continue her search when a sudden, violent knock echoed from the door. In the dead of night, it sounded like a distant rumble of thunder, startling her greatly.

"Who's there?" she asked warily. But there was no response from outside. Hesitant, Serena approached the door and peered through the peephole, seeing nothing. She assumed it was just her imagination and turned away. Yet, the knocking resumed, more insistent this time.

Considering the apartment's good security, Serena hesitated for a moment before finally opening the door. In the blink of an eye, a large hand seized her chin, and before she could react, the familiar scent of mint enveloped her senses. Her eyes widened as she recognized the handsome face in front of her. Instinctively, she pushed against the man's chest with both hands, but he was as immovable as a wall. Instead, the pressure on her lips grew more demanding, as if he wanted to devour her completely.

Finally, when Serena was nearly out of breath, the man relented, his eyes filled with mockery. "All these years and you still haven't learned how to kiss. Pathetic," he taunted.

In the past, Serena might have been overwhelmed with shame and anger. But now, she coldly uttered a single word, "Leave."

Aaron seemed oblivious to the clear message of unwelcome written all over Serena's face. With a stride, he pushed his way into the apartment, quickly surveying the modest space. "You've really hit rock bottom without me," he remarked.

Serena closed her eyes briefly, and when she opened them again, a clear and determined look had replaced her initial shock. Ignoring Aaron, she returned to the couch, picked up her tablet, and continued reviewing the accounts.

Left standing, Aaron narrowed his eyes. Serena used to be clingy and chatty, but now she was cold and distant, a change that made him uncomfortable. His gaze fell on the tablet in her hands, and seeing her engrossed in the accounts, his heart twisted with frustration.

"What's the point of looking at those? The authorities will investigate. If there's any money laundering, they'll handle it," Aaron said dismissively.

Serena took a sip of water, not even bothering to look up. "Mr. Vance, of course, wouldn't be concerned. You have the best legal team and plenty of money. Unlike me, who, without you, can only afford to live here."

Aaron was momentarily speechless. "You've become quite sharp-tongued," he retorted, snatching the tablet from her hands. "Come back with me."

"We've broken up," Serena stated, looking up to meet his gaze. The soft glow of the lamp caught her delicate features, lending a fragile beauty to her defiance. Her lips, still glistening from the water, seemed to beckon for another kiss.

Aaron's throat tightened, and he bent down, wrapping her in his arms. Serena struggled, but his grip only tightened, leaving her helpless. She could only look at him, resigned. "Let me go," she pleaded.

"Serena, you were the one who pursued me first, so you don't get to end this. Only I do," Aaron declared, carrying her out of the apartment.

Serena considered calling for help, but in Alderburg, who would dare defy Aaron? She sat despondently in the back of the Bentley, feeling as if fate was playing some cruel joke on her just as L.S. Entertainment's accounts were under scrutiny.noveldrama

At Rosewood Gardens, as Aaron's car pulled up to the villa, the household staff was already alert. When they saw Aaron emerge from the back seat with Serena in his arms, their eyes widened in shock, especially Olivia's.