CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 291

Chapter 291: Chapter 291 Stealing the Bride’s Spotlight

Author’s POV

The music swelled through the grand ballroom, conversations hushed as all eyes turned toward the dance floor. Ryan guided Serena with practiced ease, their movements fluid and synchronized as if they’d been dancing together their entire lives. The way his hand rested at the small of her back, the elegant arch of her neck, the perfect distance between their bodies, it was a masterclass in ballroom etiquette.

Though Elena Parker stood with her new husband in the traditional spot of honor, the guests’ attention had clearly shifted. Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"Look at them move..."

"Did you see her dress? Beautiful..."

"He never takes his eyes off her, does he? The way Blackwood looks at her..."

Elena’s painted smile grew increasingly brittle as she watched the couple commanding the floor. What should have been her moment—her big day—was being effortlessly usurped by the woman she’d hoped to humiliate. Her fingers tightened around Jasper’s arm until he winced.

"They’re doing this deliberately," she hissed through clenched teeth.

Jasper gave a tight smile to a passing guest. "Doing what? Dancing? It’s a wedding reception, Elena. People dance."

"Not like that, they don’t," she snapped. "They’re making a spectacle. Everyone’s watching them instead of us."

"Perhaps because you’re standing here seething instead of enjoying your own reception," Jasper muttered.

When the music finally faded, Elena straightened her shoulders with renewed purpose. She’d had enough of the Quinn family’s interference. She’d have security escort them out.

But as the applause died down and guests returned to their conversations, Elena realized with mounting fury that Ryan, Serena, and Ethan had already disappeared from the ballroom. No awkward confrontation, no embarrassed exit. They’d made their appearance, created their impact, and departed on their own terms.

Perfect timing. Perfect execution. Another victory for the Quinns.

Across the city in the back of a sleek black town car, Serena leaned back against the leather seat with a satisfied smile.

"That went even better than expected," Ethan remarked, loosening his tie. "Half of London’s elite now doubts Edward’s claims."

Ryan nodded, his fingers laced with Serena’s. "The Blackwood name carries weight, but it was your performance that sealed it, Serena. The way you handled Edward was..." He searched for the right word. "Masterful."

"I learned from the best," she replied, squeezing his hand. "Years of watching you maneuver through corporate sharks prepared me well."

Back at the reception, Elena’s composed facade had completely crumbled. She stormed through the reception hall, her wedding gown billowing behind her as she searched for her father.

She found Silas Parker in a quiet corner, deep in hushed conversation with Edward Quinn.

"Daddy!" Her voice cut across whatever scheme they were discussing. "Why did you insist on inviting them? My wedding is ruined because of your business games!"

The guests nearby pretended not to listen, though their ears strained to catch every word.

"Do you realize what’s happened? Everyone is talking about Serena Quinn instead of me! At MY wedding! She wasn’t even supposed to be here—she was in New York last I heard, and suddenly she’s waltzing in with Ryan Blackwood like they own the place!"

Silas shot his daughter a withering look. This outburst was the last thing he needed.

"Lower your voice," he commanded. "This is hardly the time or place."

"When is the time?" Elena’s voice cracked with emotion. "My wedding day is being hijacked and you’re worried about business? The Quinns made fools of us today and you did nothing!"

Edward’s face darkened with barely controlled rage. "Your father and I are handling matters that are beyond your comprehension, girl. Go back to your husband and play your part."

"My part?" Elena laughed bitterly. "You mean stand around smiling while everyone whispers about how Serena and Ryan upstaged the bride and groom? She wasn’t even trying and she still managed to outshine me!"

"Than who?" Jasper asked, exasperated. "This obsession with the Quinns is ridiculous. It’s our wedding day!"

"Miss Parker," the makeup artist ventured cautiously, "your makeup is complete. I’ve done all the touch-ups I can..."

Elena’s glare could have frozen fire. "’Complete’? You call this complete? I’m the bride! I can’t face those people looking merely ’complete’!"

Jasper’s patience finally snapped. He stepped forward, voice lowered to a dangerous whisper.

"Elena Parker, that’s enough! Come with me now." He reached for her hand.

She recoiled dramatically. "You’re hurting me!"

The silence that fell over the room was deafening. The styling team stood frozen, not daring to breathe.

Jasper’s face hardened, a cold smile appearing. "Fine. Stay here and pout all night. I’m done catering to this tantrum."

He yanked off his tie, tossing it onto the dressing table. "This whole wedding has been a disaster from start to finish."

As he stormed out, Elena suddenly realized the consequences of her behavior. She scrambled after him, panic replacing anger.

"Jasper, wait! Where are you going?"

By evening’s end, the Parker-Ashwood wedding toast never happened. Guests waited in vain for the bride and groom to reappear, eventually drifting away with bellies full of expensive food and minds buzzing with even more expensive gossip.

The Quinn family drama had provided the evening’s entertainment, but Elena’s meltdown would fuel London’s social circuit for weeks to come.