CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 194

Chapter 194: Chapter 194 Fatal Accident

Author’s POV

Kane Blackwood paced his office like a caged animal, his patience wearing dangerously thin. Days had passed without Lucian making any move against Ryan, despite the carefully planted witnesses.

"What the hell is going on?" he demanded of his subordinate. "Has West even met with our people?"

"His assistant interviewed them, sir, but West himself hasn’t made direct contact."

Kane cursed under his breath. "So he didn’t meet them personally?"

"No, sir."

Kane’s jaw tightened as he considered the implications. His carefully orchestrated plan was failing to gain traction. West was too cautious, too methodical.

"Has West been in contact with Ryan? Or with Serena?" Kane asked, his voice sharp with suspicion.

The subordinate shook his head. "We’ve been monitoring all communications as instructed. There’s been no contact. Celestial Gems seems fully focused on their Jewelry Season preparations and their expansion into the domestic market."

Rather than reassuring Kane, this information only intensified his agitation. With a sudden violent movement, he hurled his crystal tumbler against the wall, shattering it spectacularly.

His subordinate flinched, wisely falling silent.

Kane’s breathing was heavy, his eyes wild with an increasingly dangerous obsession.

"We can’t wait any longer," he declared, his voice eerily calm despite the fury radiating from him. "Arrange an ’accident’ for Ryan—a car crash. If it kills him, perfect. If not, make sure everyone believes West orchestrated it."

A malevolent smile spread across Kane’s face as he imagined the chaos that would ensue—the destruction of the tentative alliance between Ryan Blackwood and Lucian West, the satisfaction of eliminating an obstacle to his plans.

"Yes, sir," the subordinate replied quickly, turning to carry out these disturbing instructions.

Serena’s POV

The London collaboration had wrapped up smoothly, and Maya returned to the studio bearing gifts for everyone on the design team. She certainly hadn’t forgotten Serena, proudly showing off the designer bag she’d purchased while excitedly recounting her time with Ethan Quinn.

"How can I put this?" Maya gushed, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink. "That man is absolutely everything I could want."

I watched her animated expressions with amusement as she continued.

Maya lifted her chin, determination replacing her momentary doubt. "Completely certain! Even if he turns out to be a heartbreaker, I want to take that chance. So what if I’m older than him? The man is gorgeous, successful, and we have incredible chemistry. I have nothing to lose!"

The atmosphere in Dreamland Studio was electric with excitement after Maya distributed her gifts. Everyone seemed energized, diving back into their work with renewed enthusiasm. Maya announced her bold intentions before returning to her workstation, declaring she would visit Ethan in London after the Jewelry Season showcase concluded.

As I watched my friend disappear down the hallway, I made a mental note to help nudge things along between her and Ethan when the opportunity arose. Ethan was a good man with a solid character and impressive family background. If things worked out, Maya might finally find the partner she deserved. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

While I was still plotting potential matchmaking strategies, my phone rang. Ryan’s name flashed across the screen.

"Finished for the day?" his deep voice came through the line. "I thought I’d pick you up."

"That sounds perfect," I replied, feeling a smile spread across my face. "The Jewelry Season preparations are nearly complete, and with Maya back, I can finally breathe a little easier this week."

"I’ll be there soon," he promised before hanging up.

After ending the call, I headed to the studio’s private lounge to change. The dress Maya had brought me—the latest from Dior’s collection—was exactly my style: elegant yet comfortable, with clean lines that flattered my growing baby bump without sacrificing sophistication.

I studied my reflection in the full-length mirror, genuinely pleased with what I saw. Since today’s workday was ending early, I planned to suggest that Ryan and I try the new restaurant that had just opened nearby. I’d heard their Mediterranean-inspired menu was exceptional—exactly what my pregnancy cravings had been demanding lately.