CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 120

Chapter 120: Chapter 120 Have dinner with Lucian

Author’s POV

Across town, Serena buried herself in work at Dreamland Studio, grateful for the distraction from the morning’s bizarre hospital encounter. The joint collection with Celestial Gems represented a significant opportunity, and she was determined to deliver something extraordinary.

"Maya, can you double-check these stone settings?" she asked, pushing a sketch across the table while making final adjustments to another design. "I’m thinking the central pieces should feature azure blue sapphires to complement their brand colors."

Her fingers worked deftly, translating her vision onto paper with practiced precision. The studio hummed with energy as her team worked together, everyone sensing the importance of this collaboration.

After completing the preliminary designs, Serena carefully organized the portfolio. The weight of the opportunity pressed on her shoulders, but it was the kind of pressure she thrived under.

"I should deliver these personally," she decided, glancing at her watch. "I want to get his feedback directly."

Maya looked up from her workspace, concern evident in her expression. "Want me to come with? After what happened this morning..."

"I’ll be fine," Serena assured her, gathering her materials. "His workshop isn’t far, and I want to check on his injury anyway."

The drive to Celestial Gems’ satellite studio took less than fifteen minutes. Serena parked her car, clutching the portfolio case as she entered the sleek, modernist building. The receptionist recognized her immediately, offering a warm smile.

"Ms. Quinn, Mr. West is in his office. I’ll let him know you’re here."

Meanwhile, in his private office, Lucian was engaged in a very different type of business. Across from him sat a haggard-looking man with hollow cheeks and sunken eyes.Derek’s hands trembled slightly as he recounted his ordeal, his hatred for both Ivy and Ryan evident in every bitter word.

"Blackwood’s men know how to break a person," he explained, unconsciously rubbing his wrists where restraints had left marks. "If I weren’t so determined to make them pay, I might not have survived."

Lucian listened impassively, noting the valuable information scattered throughout the man’s vengeful ramblings. The connection between Ivy Hart and Ryan Blackwood particularly interested him—another potential weakness to exploit.

WhenDerek finished his tale, he leaned forward eagerly. "What can I do for you, Mr. West? I’ll do anything."

"For now," Lucian replied, his voice deliberately neutral, "I have no specific tasks for you."

Desperation flashed acrossDerek’s face. "Please, sir. I’ll do whatever you need. I’ve got nothing left—no money, no resources. I’m practically homeless after escaping."

Lucian gave a slight nod, understanding the man’s motivation. Another pawn to position on his chessboard.

"My assistant will see to your immediate needs," he said dismissively, waving toward the door. "We’ll be in touch when the time is right."

Relief floodedDerek’s features as he repeatedly expressed his gratitude. "I’ll serve you loyally, Mr. West. Whatever you need—day or night—just say the word."

As Davis escorted the grateful man out, they nearly collided with Serena entering the reception area.

Derek immediately ducked his head, pulling his cap lower to shield his face.And he quickly slipped past, avoiding any chance of recognition.

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Serena’s POV

I squinted at the retreating figure, feeling that strange sense of familiarity wash over me.

Something about the way he hunched his shoulders, the nervous energy radiating off him—it triggered something in my memory.

I turned, intending to follow him for a better look, when the receptionist called out.

"Ms. Quinn, are you here to see Mr. West? He’s in his office. You can go right in."

Just like that, my chance was gone. By the time I glanced back, the mysterious man had disappeared completely. With a small sigh, I nodded to the receptionist and headed toward Lucian’s office, the nagging feeling of recognition still clinging to me.

"Serena, you’re here," Lucian greeted me, rising from behind his desk with surprising ease for someone who’d been injured just hours ago. He gestured toward the plush sofa in the meeting area. "Please, have a seat."

I settled onto the sofa, my portfolio case beside me, but didn’t immediately bring up work. "How’s your arm? Is it bothering you much?"

Lucian extended his injured arm, demonstrating its mobility with a casual flourish. "It’s nothing—just a surface wound. Not nearly as dramatic as it looked."

I nodded, relieved that the accident hadn’t caused serious damage. "Good to hear it’s not interfering with your work."

My mind drifted back to that furtive figure, and I couldn’t resist testing the waters. "That man who just left your office—was he a client?"

He poured me tea with practiced grace. "No, actually. Just a relative of my assistant—fallen on hard times. I happened to see him and asked a few questions."

"I see," I murmured, noting how quickly he’d offered the explanation. I’d deliberately called the man a "client" to gauge his reaction. The shabby clothes, the nervous behavior—definitely not someone a CEO would typically meet with directly.

If he really was just some poor relation of his assistant, why did he practically run away when he saw me? That hunched escape had looked more like panic than mere shyness.

My mind raced through possibilities, dismissing each one as quickly as they formed.

"That’s enough about me," he eventually said. "Tell me about yourself."

I laughed softly. "My life is like plain water compared to yours—nothing nearly as exciting."

Lucian smiled then smoothly shifted the conversation toward Ryan.

"Do you remember our last meeting? You and Mr. Blackwood seem... particularly close."

I felt heat creeping up my neck, thankful for the dimly lit car interior that hid my reaction. I managed a vague affirmative sound, not denying the implication.

"So your relationship truly is as intimate as Mr. Blackwood suggested."

The memory of Ryan’s possessive behavior made me squirm. He’d practically declared himself my family member, marking his territory in the most obvious way.

"Ryan can be rather... direct sometimes," I started, then caught myself. Why was I explaining Ryan to Lucian? There was nothing between Lucian and me that required clarification.

"I can see that he cares for you deeply," Lucian continued thoughtfully. "Although..."

He deliberately left his sentence unfinished, leaving me burning with curiosity. Thankfully, the traffic finally began moving, giving me an excuse to focus on driving instead of that dangling thought.

The rest of our journey proceeded smoothly, and I breathed a sigh of relief as we arrived at One57.

Despite my earlier misgivings, dinner went surprisingly well. We ate excellent food, admired the spectacular city lights spreading below us, and maintained easy, professional conversation.

When the bill arrived, Lucian smoothly produced a black credit card, but I quickly intercepted it.

"Mr. West, you’ve helped me tremendously with this collaboration. Please allow me to treat you."

I handed my card to the waiter, who took it with a practiced smile. Lucian didn’t protest further, accepting my gesture with good grace.

As the waiter announced our total and prepared to process payment, another black card suddenly appeared beside us.

"Charge it to mine."

The deep, familiar voice sent a jolt through my system. I didn’t need to turn to know exactly who had just crashed our dinner.