CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 287

Chapter 287: Chapter 287 Return

Author’s POV

News of Liam Quinn’s hospitalization spread through London’s financial district like wildfire, igniting a media frenzy that couldn’t be contained. Headlines painted a damning portrait, suggesting his collapse was nothing more than a calculated ploy to escape scrutiny.

"QUINN PATRIARCH’S CONVENIENT ILLNESS: SYMPATHY PLAY OR GUILTY CONSCIENCE?" screamed one tabloid.

"FAMILY DYNASTY CRUMBLING: LIAM QUINN’S HOSPITAL STAY RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT INHERITANCE SCANDAL," declared another.

The coordinated nature of these attacks was unmistakable—too precise to be coincidental, too relentless to be silenced through conventional channels.

Ryan’s sleek black Bentley pulled up to the private entrance of Royal London Hospital, where security personnel immediately moved to escort him and Serena through a side door, away from the small gathering of paparazzi who had caught wind of their arrival.

"Vultures," Ryan muttered under his breath, his hand protectively at the small of Serena’s back as they were led through pristine corridors toward the VIP wing.

Serena’s stomach knotted with anxiety. The last time she’d seen her father, he had been unconscious, vulnerable in a way she’d never witnessed before. Now, despite being awake, the updates from Ethan suggested he was deteriorating rather than improving—his body betraying him just when the Quinn family needed his strength most.

When they entered the private suite, Liam was propped up against white pillows, his complexion ashen and drawn. The monitors beside him beeped steadily, but there was no disguising how much the crisis had aged him in just days. His eyes, however, brightened momentarily at the sight of his daughter.

"Sweetheart," he said, his voice noticeably weaker than usual. "You shouldn’t have come."

Serena moved swiftly to her father’s side, taking his hand in hers. The sight of his weakened state sent a surge of protective anger through her.

"Dad, please stop," she said firmly. "The only thing that matters right now is your recovery. The company can wait. Everything else can wait."

Ryan stepped forward, his commanding presence filling the room despite his respectful demeanor. "Mr. Quinn, I’ve brought the specialists from New York as we discussed. They’ll consult with your medical team this afternoon."

Liam attempted to straighten himself, wincing slightly with the effort. "Thank you, Ryan. And please, we’ve moved beyond ’Mr. Quinn’ by now, haven’t we? Especially considering the circumstances."

"Of course, Liam," Ryan nodded, a rare smile softening his usually stern features.

Serena watched the exchange with quiet appreciation. Even without a formal wedding ceremony, Ryan had seamlessly stepped into his role as her partner and protector of her family. The man who had once been her greatest adversary was now her strongest ally.

"The company situation," Liam began, his breath catching slightly, "it’s deteriorating by the hour. The board is in chaos, and Grayson Henderson is capitalizing on every moment of my absence."

"Dad, you need to focus on getting better," Serena insisted, adjusting his pillows. "Ryan and I will handle the rest. That’s why we’re here."

Ryan moved closer to the bed, his expression serious. "Liam, these rumors didn’t materialize from thin air. They’re too specific, too detailed about past events. If we’re going to effectively counter them, I need to understand what truly happened with your brother Edward and your father’s will."

"It was supposed to be simple," he finally said, his voice hollow. "Father’s original will divided everything equally between Edward and me—fifty-fifty ownership, shared leadership responsibilities. Edward was younger, but brilliant when it came to business strategy. We were meant to complement each other’s strengths."

He paused, a fit of coughing interrupting his narrative. Serena quickly offered him water, concern etching deeper lines into her face.

"What happened?" Ryan prompted gently once Liam had recovered.

"Money started disappearing," Liam continued, his eyes hardening with the painful memory. "Not small amounts—millions. Father noticed discrepancies in the quarterly reports and launched a private investigation. The trail led directly to Edward."

Liam’s hand trembled slightly as he set down the water glass. "He’d diverted company funds into a high-risk venture capital project—some revolutionary technology that promised extraordinary returns. When the project collapsed, Edward couldn’t cover his tracks. The money was gone."

"When Father confronted him, Edward didn’t even deny it. He justified it as a ’necessary risk’ for the company’s future. Said Father was too conservative, that the company would stagnate without bold moves." Liam shook his head bitterly. "The betrayal nearly killed my father. He had a massive heart attack the next day."

"And that’s when he changed the will," Serena murmured, pieces of the family mystery finally falling into place.

"Yes. From his hospital bed, he summoned his attorneys and cut Edward out completely. Stripped him of his shares, his position, even his trust fund. Ordered him to leave London and never return to the family fold." Liam’s expression was a mixture of regret and resignation. "Edward swore revenge. Said Father would regret choosing me, that one day he’d return and take everything that should have been his."

Ryan’s analytical mind was already working through implications. "Do you have documentation from the failed investment? Names of other investors, project details, anything that would prove Edward’s embezzlement?"

A dangerous smile played at Ryan’s lips. "Let’s just say the Blackwood Group has significant advertising budgets that can be reallocated very quickly. Plus, our legal team is particularly creative with cease-and-desist letters."

"Remind me never to get on your bad side again," Serena murmured, a reluctant smile forming despite the circumstances.

"Too late for that," Ryan replied, brushing his lips against her temple before the elevator doors opened. "We’ll reconvene for dinner. My team is already gathering intelligence on Edward’s current whereabouts and associates."

——

Across town, in a luxurious penthouse overlooking the Thames, Edward Quinn stared incredulously at his laptop screen. One by one, the carefully planted news stories were disappearing, pulled from publication without explanation.

"What the hell is happening?" he demanded, slamming his fist against the mahogany desk. "These were supposed to run for days! We paid good money to ensure that!"

His assistant shifted uncomfortably. "It appears the Blackwood Group has intervened, sir."

"Blackwood?" Edward’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "What does Ryan Blackwood have to do with any of this?"

"He’s engaged to your niece, sir. Serena Quinn. They arrived in London this morning."

Edward’s face darkened with fury. "Of course. Little Serena found herself a powerful protector. How convenient." He paced the opulent room, mind racing. "The Blackwood Group might control the media, but they can’t silence shareholder discontent. What’s the status with Parker?"

"Mr. Parker is awaiting your call. He’s secured the proxy votes as planned."

Edward’s lips curved into a cold smile. "Then perhaps it’s time we accelerate our timetable. If my dear brother thinks he can hide in his hospital bed while his daughter’s husband fights his battles, he’s sorely mistaken."

He reached for his phone, scrolling to a familiar contact. "Silas," he purred when the call connected. "It’s time for you to earn your percentage."

After ending the call, Edward walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing out at the city he’d been forced to abandon decades ago. "Welcome home, brother," he murmured to his own reflection in the glass. "Let’s see how well you’ve prepared your children for war."