CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205: Chapter 205 The Jealous CEO

Serena’s POV

I just saw those ridiculous headlines.

"BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? LAZULI AND WEST’S INTIMATE DINNER CONVERSATION RAISES EYEBROWS!"

"POWER COUPLE ALERT: DREAMLAND STUDIO’S LAZULI FALLS UNDER CELESTIAL GEMS CEO’S SPELL!"

"MATCHING OUTFITS AND MEANINGFUL GLANCES: JEWELRY INDUSTRY’S NEW POWER COUPLE?"

"IS DREAMLAND’S LAZULI TRADING MORE THAN JUST BUSINESS DEALS WITH CELESTIAL GEMS’ WEST?"

"These entertainment vultures are absolutely shameless! How can they twist something so innocent into this... this tabloid fantasy?" fumed Celeste, one of the designers who had accompanied me to the event. Her normally composed face was flushed with indignation as she scrolled through her own phone.

"Mrs. Lazuli, it’s just internet gossip-mongers having their fun. No one with half a brain takes this seriously," another designer tried consoling me while the others were already drafting statements, insisting we should issue an immediate clarification before the story spiraled further.

I pinched the bridge of my nose, feeling a throbbing headache building behind my temples. "Let’s just head back to the studio first. We’ll figure out our response there."

The driver had already opened the car door, my escape route tantalizingly close, when I heard hurried footsteps behind me.

"Serena, wait!"

Lucian West was rushing across the parking area, his normally impeccable appearance slightly disheveled, tie askew as if he’d bolted from whatever meeting he’d been in.

"I just saw those online reports," he said, slightly breathless.

I turned slowly, narrowing my eyes. I’d thought Lucian had turned over a new leaf, that he wouldn’t try using me as publicity fodder again. Was this all just another calculated move in whatever game he was playing?

"Just now, Mr. West?" My voice dripped with sarcasm. "With how quickly that buzz is spreading, I almost suspected you might have orchestrated the whole thing yourself." The words hung in the air between us, creating a palpable tension.

Lucian’s expression darkened, jaw tightening visibly. "Serena, I didn’t arrange this. Someone’s clearly trying to manufacture headlines at our expense. I’ve already contacted my PR department to issue an immediate clarification."

I studied his face for any hint of deception before offering him a thin smile. "If that’s truly the case, then thank you, Mr. West."

"I’m rather exhausted from all this," I added, turning away. "I should go." Without waiting for his response, I climbed into the waiting car, not bothering to look back.

By the time we returned to the studio, my phone buzzed with notifications. Celestial Gems had already published a forceful clarification. The statement unequivocally declared our relationship as strictly professional with perhaps a touch of friendship—nothing more, nothing less. It also included a not-so-subtle legal warning to bloggers who had maliciously edited videos to delete them immediately or face consequences.

Under Celestial Gems’ aggressive pushback, the rumors were rapidly collapsing. The comment sections exploded with backlash against the original bloggers:

"Could you maybe VERIFY YOUR FACTS before posting clickbait? You got me invested in a non-existent power couple for NOTHING!"

"You unethical hacks deserve every lawsuit coming your way!"

"When will this online cesspool ever improve? Anyone with a keyboard can spread garbage for clicks!"

"Oh please, stop pretending you all weren’t eating this up hours ago!"

The internet had moved on to its next outrage cycle, but more importantly, the rumors linking Lucian and me had effectively been quashed. Watching this swift and decisive response, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders.

Had I misjudged Lucian? If he’d truly orchestrated this media circus, why would he so aggressively shut it down?

Maya peeked over my shoulder at my phone, whistling low. "Well, well... Lucian actually stepped up and acted like a genuine adult this time. Color me impressed."

When I finally arrived at the Blackwood mansion that evening, Ryan had just walked through the door himself, his expression unreadable.

"I saw today’s news," he stated flatly, his tone giving nothing away.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment before I broached the subject again. "About Kane though... what’s he been up to lately? I haven’t heard you mention him."

Ryan waved his hand dismissively. "Nothing worth discussing. His latest pathetic attempt involves trying to sway some minor board members with ridiculous promises. It’s laughable, really."

"You seem awfully confident."

"Because I know exactly who I’m dealing with," Ryan replied, his voice carrying that cool certainty that both impressed and sometimes frightened me. "Kane’s always been predictable—greedy, short-sighted, desperate for validation. He doesn’t have the patience or intellect for long-game strategy."

I nodded slowly, though something still nagged at me. "Just... be careful. Even predictable enemies can be dangerous when cornered."

Ryan’s expression softened as he looked at me, something tender replacing the coldness that had been there moments before. "You worry too much." His hand moved to rest gently on my still-flat stomach. "You should be focusing on taking care of yourself and our baby, not concerning yourself with Kane’s petty schemes."

The touch sent warmth spreading through me. It still felt surreal sometimes—that we were going to be parents, that this complicated, intense man beside me could show such gentleness.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked, his voice lower now, intimate.

"Tired," I admitted. "The morning sickness isn’t as bad, but everything exhausts me lately."

Ryan immediately shifted, pulling me closer against him. "You’re doing too much. The doctor said you need to rest more."

"I’m fine, Ryan," I protested, though I couldn’t help leaning into his warmth. "Pregnant women work all the time. I’m not made of glass."

"Maybe not," he murmured, his lips brushing against my temple. "But what you’re carrying is precious to me. You both are."

My heart squeezed at his words. These moments—when the controlling, jealous businessman melted away to reveal the man who genuinely cared—these were the moments that reminded me why I was here, why I’d chosen this complicated life with him.

"I promise I’ll be careful," I whispered, closing my eyes as fatigue washed over me. "Both of us will be fine."