Chapter 11: An Unexpected Visit

The morning after the news spread, Serenity opened the bookstore as usual.

She hoped the reporters had finally lost interest.

Instead, she found a sleek black luxury sedan parked across the street.

A woman stepped out gracefully.

She wore a white designer dress, diamond earrings, and expensive heels.

Her confident smile made it clear she was used to getting whatever she wanted.

"Good morning," Jasmine whispered.

"She definitely isn't here to buy books."

The woman walked into the bookstore and removed her sunglasses.

"Which one of you is Serenity Hunt?"

"I am," Serenity replied politely.

"Can I help you?"

"I'm Victoria Lang."

"I've known Zachary for years."

"I'd like to speak with you privately."

Serenity nodded.

"Jasmine, could you watch the store for a few minutes?"

"Of course."

The two women sat at a small table near the back of the bookstore.

Victoria looked around with obvious disdain.

"So this is where you work."

"It's cozy," Serenity replied with a smile.

"Let's not waste time," Victoria said.

"How much do you want?"

Serenity frowned.

"Excuse me?"

"Money."

"Name your price and divorce Zachary."

"You don't belong in his world."

She slid a checkbook across the table.

"Five million dollars."

"Walk away quietly."

Serenity stared at the blank check for several seconds.

Then she gently pushed it back.

"I'm sorry."

"But my marriage isn't for sale."

Victoria laughed coldly.

"Don't pretend you married him for love."

"Everyone knows people marry billionaires for money."

"Perhaps some do," Serenity answered calmly.

"But I married Zachary before I knew he was rich."

"Money has nothing to do with it."

"Do you expect me to believe that?"

"Whether you believe it or not doesn't change the truth."

Victoria's smile disappeared.

"You're more stubborn than I expected."

"I'm simply honest."

"Then let me give you some advice."

"High society isn't kind to outsiders."

"You'll embarrass him sooner or later."

"When that happens..."

"Remember that I offered you an easy way out."

Victoria stood and walked toward the exit.

Before leaving, she looked back.

"This isn't over, Mrs. York."

The bookstore fell silent.

Jasmine hurried over.

"What did she want?"

Serenity smiled weakly.

"To buy my marriage."

"Seriously?"

"Five million dollars."

Jasmine nearly dropped the books she was holding.

"Five million?"

"And you refused?"

"Of course."

"Marriage isn't something you sell."

That evening, Serenity told Zachary everything.

His expression grew colder with every word.

"Victoria came to the bookstore?"

"Yes."

"She offered me money to divorce you."

Zachary's jaw tightened.

"Did she threaten you?"

"Not directly."

"She just believes I don't belong beside you."

"She's wrong," Zachary said firmly.

"You belong wherever you choose to be."

Serenity looked at him in surprise.

"Thank you."

"No," Zachary replied.

"I should be thanking you."

"Most people would have accepted that money."

"Five million dollars is a lot."

"It is," Serenity admitted with a laugh.

"But I'd rather keep my husband."

For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then Zachary smiled.

"I'm glad you made that choice."

Later that night...

Inside the Lang family mansion...

Victoria slammed her handbag onto the sofa.

"She refused."

"Interesting," her father murmured.

"Then perhaps it's time we stop being polite."

"If she wants to stay beside Zachary..."

"Let's see how long she survives once everyone turns against her."

Unaware of the plans forming against her...

Serenity peacefully fell asleep.

She had no idea that her biggest test as Mrs. York was only beginning.