CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 292

Chapter 292: Chapter 292 Jealous

Serena’s POV

The satisfaction from Elena Parker’s wedding disaster still lingered as Ethan entertained us with his animated play-by-play of the event.

"And then," Ethan said, leaning forward dramatically in his armchair, "Elena’s face turned this fascinating shade of purple when she realized everyone was watching you two dance instead of paying attention to her!"

Eleanor and Zoe couldn’t contain their laughter, and I joined in, feeling lighter than I had in weeks.

"Serves her right," Eleanor said, reaching for her wine glass. "The Parkers have been trying to sabotage us for months. It’s about time we scored a point."

Zoe nodded enthusiastically. "The look on Edward’s face when you walked in with Ryan must have been priceless. I wish I could have seen it!"

"Total shock," I confirmed with a smirk. "Like he’d seen a ghost dressed in Valentino."

"If Father hears about this victory," Eleanor said, her expression softening, "I bet he’ll recover faster. Nothing motivates him like knowing his children are fighting back."

"Speaking of fighting," Zoe turned to Ethan with that stern older-sister look she’s perfected over the years, "you better keep the company ship-shape while Father’s recovering. No more surprises, got it?"

Ethan rolled his eyes dramatically. "Yes, Mother Hen. The shareholders are all back in line now that we’ve shown we’re not as vulnerable as they thought. Ryan’s presence has helped tremendously."

"Don’t worry," Ethan added, shooting me a wink. "Your little brother’s got this under control."

I felt myself relaxing as I watched my siblings banter. Ryan sat beside me, his hand resting lightly on mine, a gesture so subtle yet so comforting.

"Any progress finding that project manager from back then?" I asked Ryan quietly while my siblings continued their good-natured ribbing.

He shook his head. "Still searching. Finding someone who’s likely trying not to be found isn’t easy, but I’m getting closer."

"If anyone can find them, it’s you," I said, squeezing his hand. His determination to clear my father’s name touched me deeply.

"Serena," Ryan said after a moment, his voice low enough that only I could hear, "I’m going to stay here in London with you for a while."

I looked at him, surprised. "What about New York? The company?"

"I’ve arranged everything," he said firmly. "If something else happens, I want to be here, not halfway across the Atlantic."

"But—"

"No buts," he cut me off gently. "You’re not facing this alone. I won’t let you."

The warmth that spread through me had nothing to do with the fireplace crackling nearby.

"Father will need more time to recover," I sighed, nestling closer to him. "And until then, we need to watch Edward and Silas Parker carefully. Those two won’t stop until they get what they want."

"They’ll have to go through me first," Ryan said, his arm tightening protectively around me.

Just as I was about to respond, Wilson, our butler, appeared at the doorway. "Miss Quinn, Mr. Lancaster is here to see you."

My eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Cedric? At this hour?"

Ryan’s body tensed beside me instantly.

Cedric Lancaster strode in moments later, looking slightly windblown but impeccably dressed as always. His concerned gaze landed on me immediately, barely acknowledging anyone else in the room.

"Serena, I heard what happened with Quinn Enterprises," he said, walking straight toward me. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Eleanor and Zoe exchanged knowing glances while Ethan suddenly became very interested in his drink.

"Cedric, what brings you here so late?" I asked, standing to greet him. "I thought you were away on business."

"Just got back," he said, his eyes warm with genuine concern. "News about the Parkers’ attempt to take over Quinn Enterprises is all over the business circles. I came straight from the airport."

I felt Ryan stand up behind me, his presence suddenly looming larger.

"That’s very thoughtful of you," I said carefully, "but everything’s under control now."

"Is it?" Cedric pressed. "Look, we’ve been friends forever, and our families have been allies for generations. The Lancasters stand with the Quinns, always have."

He glanced briefly at my father’s portrait above the fireplace. "How is your father doing? I heard he was hospitalized."

"He’s recovering well," I answered, noticing how Ryan had shifted slightly closer to me, his hand now resting possessively at the small of my back.

"The Lancaster family’s concern is appreciated," Ryan interjected smoothly, his voice carrying that unmistakable CEO authority. "I’ll be sure your well-wishes reach Liam."

Cedric’s eyes flicked to Ryan, then back to me. "Our companies have significant influence in London. If the Parkers try anything else, the Lancasters can help push back. You know that, right?"

"That’s incredibly generous," I said sincerely. I couldn’t deny that having another powerful ally would benefit us tremendously right now.

"Perhaps we could discuss a formal partnership between our companies," Cedric suggested. "Something to strengthen both our positions."

Ryan’s fingers pressed more firmly against my back.

"That’s a wonderful idea," I said, carefully choosing my words. "But Ethan is handling company operations while Father recovers. You should discuss the details with him."

Cedric smiled, but his eyes never left mine. "Of course. But I’d like your input as well, Serena. Perhaps I could schedule a private meeting with you? Your design expertise is legendary, after all."

I bit my lip to keep from laughing. "Is the great Ryan Blackwood actually threatened by my college friend?"

"I’m not threatened," he muttered, looking exactly like a man who felt threatened. "I just don’t appreciate another man trying to schedule ’private meetings’ with my wife."

"He’s trying to help our family," I pointed out, though even I had to admit Cedric’s interest seemed to extend beyond business.

"He’s trying to help himself to my wife," Ryan countered, pulling me closer possessively. "Did you see how he kept finding reasons to touch your arm? And that comment about ’anything for you’ before he caught himself?"

"You’re being ridiculous," I said, wrapping my arms around his neck. "Cedric knows we’re married. We have a child together. Besides, having the Lancaster family’s public support right now is exactly what Quinn Enterprises needs."

Ryan’s expression remained stormy. "Business is one thing. The way he looks at you is something else entirely."

"And how does he look at me?" I asked, genuinely curious now.

"Like I look at you," Ryan admitted grudgingly. "Like you’re everything."

My heart skipped a beat at his words. "Then you have nothing to worry about," I whispered, "because you’re the only one I look back at that way."

His arms tightened around me. "I don’t like sharing what’s mine," he murmured against my hair.

"I’m not a possession, Mr. Blackwood," I reminded him, but I couldn’t help smiling against his chest.

"You know what I mean," he said, his voice growing husky. "I waited too long to have you. I’m not about to let some boarding school pretty boy with perfect hair steal you away."

I laughed outright at that. "Perfect hair? Is that what bothers you about him?"

"Among other things," Ryan grumbled.

"Ryan Blackwood," I teased, reaching up to kiss his jaw, "when did you become so insecure? It doesn’t suit the man who terrorizes corporate boardrooms for fun."

He didn’t smile, but his eyes softened slightly. "When it comes to you, all my usual rules don’t apply."

"Well, get used to it," I said firmly. "Cedric is helping our family in a crisis. Next time you see him, I expect you to be polite."

Ryan made a noncommittal sound.

"Ryan..." I warned.

"Fine," he finally conceded with a sigh. "But if he touches your arm one more time while reminiscing about your college days, I’m not responsible for my actions."

I laughed, resting my head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat. This jealous, protective side of Ryan was new to me - and secretly, I found it rather endearing.