Burn the Marriage, Keep the Crown novel Chapter 276

The mood in the private room had finally lightened up.

A little over two hours later, the three of them went their separate ways.

William had offered to give Serena a ride home, but she turned him down.

William didn’t seem bothered by Gabrielle’s teasing, but Serena couldn’t quite brush it off. Not that she could explain exactly what, or why, it bothered her so much.

When Serena reached her apartment building, she stopped short. Aaron was sitting on the ground right by the entrance, looking nothing like his usual composed self.

The sharp scent of alcohol hung in the air around him. Several empty beer bottles were scattered at his feet.

His white shirt sleeves were rolled up high, revealing his strong, tan forearms.

He must have heard her approaching. Aaron turned his head, fixing her with a cold, steely gaze that looked almost glacial. When he spoke, his words were edged with frost.

“So, you finally decided to come back?”

Serena’s brow creased in annoyance.

She had no desire to get tangled up with Aaron tonight. Without a word, she turned and pressed the elevator button, ready to go back downstairs.

But she was too slow.

Aaron moved quickly and blocked the elevator doors, his striking eyes fixed on her. He looked both drunk and painfully sober at the same time.

Serena’s expression hardened. “Aaron, what do you want from me?”

This endless back-and-forth was exhausting.

“Let go of me!” Serena hissed, her voice low and furious.

Aaron only tightened his grip. “Not until you tell me exactly why we’re not right for each other. Otherwise, I’ll never let you go. Not in this lifetime.”

Serena raised her chin, meeting his eyes. “Fine. If you want to hear it, I’ll say it.”

“First, our personalities clash. After a breakup, I move on. I don’t chase after my exes. But you? You just can’t let go. You have to meddle, just to prove you’re right.”

Aaron froze, stunned. “Meddle? When have I ever meddled in your life?”

Serena let out a short, bitter laugh. “Mr. Vance, you must think I’m blind. Didn’t you send Nestor Leighton after me? Would Penelope have dared to take me to court without your approval?”

A flicker of confusion crossed Aaron’s cold eyes. “Who’s Nestor Leighton?”