Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown

Chapter 23
As soon as the door swung open, the private dining room fell into a hushed silence.
When the guests saw Aaron Vance enter, they all stood up to greet him. "Mr. Vance," they chorused.
Tonight was the birthday celebration for Frederick Foster, and Aaron, being a close friend of Frederick's, was naturally expected
to make an appearance. What caught everyone off guard, however, was that he was alone.
Unable to resist, someone asked, "Mr. Vance, where's Miss Sullivan?"
The question barely hung in the air before another voice chimed in with a teasing remark. "Are you kidding? Since when has
Serena ever missed a chance to follow Mr. Vance around? She's like his shadow."
Aaron had already taken his seat, crossing his long legs with an air of cool detachment. His presence, though calm, was tinged
with a frosty aura, and his expression remained inscrutable.
The chatter continued unabated. "I remember last year at Mr. Foster's birthday party, Serena was glued to Mr. Vance, watching
him like a hawk to make sure no other woman got too close."
Laughter erupted around the table.
Though Aaron's face was obscured by shadows, his memories were crystal clear. Last year, he had indeed brought Serena
along, but it was at his suggestion, not hers. Frederick's parties were notorious for attracting celebrities and online influencers
who, knowing Aaron's status, always found some excuse to cozy up to him. He found their antics-spilling drinks on him or
"accidentally" slipping into his arms-exhausting. So he brought Serena to keep the peace.
Little did he know how others perceived it.
With a flick, Aaron ignited his lighter, the blue flame illuminating his features and casting sharp shadows that highlighted the
intensity in his eyes.
"Serena went back to Northspire," he announced, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the dimly lit room.
For a moment, silence reigned.
Then, laughter erupted anew.

"Come on, Mr. Vance. Bringing Miss Lynwood back so openly must have ruffled Serena's feathers. She's probably playing hard
to get, but give it a few days. She'll be back," someone speculated.
Outsiders might not know about Aaron and Cynthia Lynwood, but those within their circle certainly did. Rumors had circulated
even before Aaron and Serena officially got together, suggesting that Aaron had a girlfriend abroad. When Cynthia Lynwood
returned to town, those whispers were confirmed Aaron did indeed have someone else.
It seemed Cynthia's health had given Serena her opportunity. The circle had always looked down on Serena for her apparent
devotion to Aaron, seeing her as nothing more than a hanger-on. Now, learning she was the other woman made her even less
favorable in their eyes.
"She's thrown tantrums before, Mr. Vance. Every time she comes running back to you. I bet she'll be back in three days!"
"I bet she'll be back by tomorrow morning!"
"I bet tonight!"
The room buzzed with wagers and laughter as the impromptu betting pool grew. Aaron, however, was not amused. His
expression darkened as he pulled at his collar, feeling suffocated. He needed air and swiftly exited the room.
The guests exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what had transpired. Frederick, equally perplexed, raised an eyebrow and
decided to follow Aaron out.
He found him a few minutes later on the balcony, silhouetted against the moonlit sky, appearing unusually pensive.
Frederick approached, glancing at Aaron's strong profile. "Not having much fun tonight? I doubt it's because Serena went back to
Northspire. So, is it about Cynthia Lynwood?"