CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244: Chapter 244 War of Shares

Ryan’s POV

The moment I stepped into my office, I could feel the tension. Every employee seemed to walk on eggshells, watching me cautiously as I strode through the halls. My two-week absence might as well have been two years with how much had changed.

"Give me the complete rundown," I ordered Simon as soon as my office door closed. "Don’t spare details."

Simon handed me a thick folder. "Kane’s recovery has been faster than any doctor predicted. The Vergara specialists apparently used an experimental treatment that’s proven remarkably effective."

"Remarkably convenient, you mean," I muttered, flipping through medical reports that seemed suspiciously optimistic.

"Yes, sir." Simon cleared his throat. "While you were away, Kane managed to transfer a significant portion of his Blackwood shares to Tiffany before we could freeze all his assets."

"How?" I slammed the folder down, my patience wearing thin.

"He used a shell company we weren’t aware of." Simon looked uncomfortable. "Our legal team is investigating, but—"

"But by the time they figure it out, Kane and Tiffany will be married, and it won’t matter." I completed his thought, leaning back in my chair.

"Keep close surveillance on Kane," I finally ordered. "I want to know everywhere he goes, everyone he meets. Don’t let him pull any more stunts without me knowing about it first."

"Yes, Boss."

After Simon left, I poured myself two fingers of whiskey, despite it being barely noon. The burning liquid did nothing to ease the cold anger settling in my chest. Kane had made his move while I was distracted with Serena in London. Smart play.

My phone buzzed with a text from Serena: "At the studio with Maya. Don’t worry, I’m sitting down."

I smiled despite myself. Even with everything going on, she still managed to ease my mind. I quickly typed back: "Just for a few hours. Coming home to check on you at lunch."

Setting down my phone, I pulled up the latest financial reports. Kane’s bold move would impress shareholders, but I had something he would never have—Serena and our child. The thought of our growing family strengthened my resolve. I wouldn’t let Kane threaten what mattered most.

"Simon!" I called, already formulating my counterattack. "Get me Lucian West on the phone. It’s time Celestial Gems and Blackwood formed a united front."

Kane wanted war? I’d show him what happened when he challenged a man with everything to fight for.

Serena’s POV

I stretched out on our massive king bed, grumbling as I tried to find a comfortable position. Being eight months pregnant made everything difficult, especially sleeping. Ryan had been gone for hours now, rushing off to the office after barely unpacking. I couldn’t blame him though—Kane’s miraculous recovery had thrown everything into chaos.

My phone buzzed with another notification about Kane and Tiffany. God, they were everywhere! I scrolled through the photos of them looking absolutely perfect together at some charity event, her hand possessively on his arm while he stood—actually stood—beaming like he’d conquered the world. The caption announced their wedding date, barely a month away.

"Couldn’t even wait for the ink to dry on his medical clearance," I muttered, tossing my phone aside.

I must have dozed off eventually because I woke to Ryan sliding into bed beside me, his cologne mingling with the faint scent of whiskey.

"You’re home late," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.

He pulled me gently against his chest, his hand finding its way to my belly. "Sorry. There was a lot to catch up on."

Her expression suddenly changed to one of mock outrage. "Wait a minute—why hasn’t your brother brought me anything? He promised to visit ’soon,’ and it’s been weeks! Not a single text!"

I laughed. "Don’t be dramatic. Ethan’s probably buried in work right now."

"Men!" Maya threw her hands up. "The moment they think they’ve got you, they stop trying!"

"That’s not fair," I protested. "If I weren’t so pregnant and miserable, I’d send you to London myself to see him properly."

Maya rolled her eyes spectacularly. "I was joking! But look at you, taking your brother’s side over your best friend who’s been through hell and back with you!"

I grabbed her hand and pulled her down beside me. "Come on, when you marry into the Quinn family, we’ll all be relatives anyway."

"Stop!" Maya groaned. "Seriously, does your brother have some terminal illness I don’t know about? Why are you so desperate to marry us off?"

"Don’t say that!" I laughed. "Ethan’s perfectly healthy—always has been. He’s just... never shown interest in anyone before you."

Maya’s expression softened. "Fine, no more jokes. But you need to focus on yourself right now. You’re due in a month, Serena! No more coming to the studio unless it’s absolutely necessary. When this baby arrives, I want to be the godmother!"

My eyes twinkled as I saw my opportunity. "Wouldn’t that be confusing? Shouldn’t the baby call you ’Aunt Maya’ instead?"

"There you go again!" Maya’s face flushed bright red as she swatted at my arm.

I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in days.