CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 198

Chapter 198: Chapter 198 After the Ruin

Author’s POV

Lucian watched Ryan’s retreating figure with narrowed eyes, a calculating expression settling across his face. Sophie Hart’s little sister had caused more disruption than he’d anticipated - and for what? A moment of petty revenge that ultimately accomplished nothing.

These Hart sisters truly despised Serena with a passion that bordered on obsession. To create such a scene at the industry’s most prestigious event, risking their own reputations in the process...

"Amateurs," Lucian murmured to himself, taking a measured sip of his champagne. Whatever business relationship he might have entertained with Sophie was now firmly off the table. He had no use for partners who let emotion overrule strategy.

The jewelry season opening had descended into chaos. The organizers, attempting to regain control, announced the cancellation of all remaining speeches. This announcement triggered immediate protests from other jewelry houses who’d been eagerly awaiting their moment in the spotlight.

"This is completely unprofessional!" complained the representative from Diamond Elite. "Why should all of us suffer because of one person’s drama?"

"My flight was delayed three hours to make it here for this speech," fumed another designer. "Are you telling me I traveled across the country for nothing?"

The organizer looked ready to collapse under the pressure, dabbing sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. "Please, everyone, we need to maintain order. We’ll reschedule all presentations for tomorrow’s session."

Whispers continued spreading through the crowd like wildfire.

"Did you see those photos? They looked pretty intimate."

"That Hart girl called Serena a homewrecker! Do you think there’s any truth to it?"

"Ryan Blackwood looked ready to murder someone."

"I always thought there was something too perfect about Serena Quinn’s rise to success..."

Outside the venue, Maya finally arrived, breathlessly running toward the entrance just as Ryan emerged carrying Serena. Her designer heels clacked against the pavement as she hurried over, her face creased with concern.

"Serena! Ryan! What on earth happened?" Maya looked horrified at the wine stain spreading across Serena’s beautiful champagne-colored gown. "Oh my god, your dress!"

Serena waved her hand dismissively, trying to appear calm despite the humiliation burning in her chest. "Dreamland needs you in there. I’m fine."

"You’re fine? There’s wine all over you! What happened?" Maya’s voice pitched higher with each question. "Did you fall? Is the baby okay?"

"The baby? Is it coming?" Maya gasped, completely misreading the situation.

Both Ryan and Serena stared at her in exasperation.

"No," Ryan said firmly, shifting Serena in his arms. "She’s not in labor. There was an... incident inside. Ivy Hart made a scene and attacked Serena."

Maya’s eyes widened in shock. "That little witch! What did she do?"

"Ms. Carter," Ryan cut in, his tone brooking no argument, "Serena has had enough excitement for today. She needs rest. Can you handle the rest of the jewelry season opening?"

Maya straightened her spine, instantly switching to professional mode. "Of course. But Serena, are you really okay?"

"I’ll be fine," Serena nodded weakly. "Just some red wine on my dress and wounded pride. Please take care of everything here."

She turned her face away, staring out the window at the passing city lights. What should have been her triumphant moment, representing Dreamland Jewelry at the season’s most prestigious event, had been utterly ruined. The humiliation still burned fresh, the gasps and whispers of the audience replaying in her mind.

Ryan sighed heavily, reaching for her hand. She didn’t pull away, but her fingers remained limp in his grasp.

"Serena, I had no idea this would happen. I’m sorry."

Her expression softened slightly at his genuine tone. As angry as she was about the situation, she knew Ryan hadn’t orchestrated this disaster.

"It’s not your fault," she admitted reluctantly. "The Hart sisters have apparently made destroying me their life’s mission."

She shifted in her seat, grimacing at the sticky feeling of the drying wine on her dress. "But this isn’t over. They can’t get away with this."

Ryan nodded immediately, squeezing her hand. "Absolutely. Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you completely."

Serena was quiet for a moment, considering. When she spoke, her voice was eerily calm.

"I want to meet with Sophie."

Ryan’s head snapped toward her, brows knitting together. "What? Why would you want to see her?"

"She was important enough to occupy your heart for years," Serena said, her eyes piercing into his. "Don’t you want to know who she really is? The woman behind all this manipulation?"