CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 308

Chapter 308: Chapter 308 Inside His World

Serena’s POV

The Original Blackwood Flagship Store.

The building before us was understated elegance personified - smooth stone façade in cool gray tones, discreet gold lettering. No flashing lights, no gaudy signage - just quiet, confident luxury.

"This is... different," I remarked as Ryan helped me from the car.

"That’s the point," he replied, his hand settling naturally at the small of my back. "Vegas is a city of spectacle. We wanted to be the complete opposite - the place where real money comes to actually relax."

I had to admit, the contrast worked brilliantly. While neighboring establishments competed to be the loudest and brightest, the Blackwood store commanded attention precisely because it didn’t beg for it.

As we approached, I noticed several staff members assembling near the entrance, straightening already perfect clothing. The doors opened before we reached them.

"Mr. Blackwood," a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair stepped forward, extending his hand. "We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow morning."

Ryan’s handshake was firm but brief. "Plans changed, Marcus. This is Serena Quinn. My wife."

"Mrs. Quinn, welcome to Blackwood Las Vegas," he said, with genuine warmth rather than fake politeness. "It’s an honor to have you here."

The management team - about six people in total - showed similar restraint. They clearly respected Ryan, but there wasn’t that nervous, walking-on-eggshells energy I’d seen around many powerful executives. These people weren’t scared to death of him; they were genuinely excited to impress him.

"I’d like to walk the floor," Ryan announced without beating around the bush. "Full operational review."

"Of course," Marcus replied, waving off two assistants who stepped forward with prepared presentations. "Where would you like to begin?"

"Main showroom. Then private viewing rooms. Back-end stuff last."

I pulled out my phone, opening my notes app as Ryan began his inspection. I wasn’t entirely sure why I was documenting this, but something told me to keep track.

What unfolded over the next three hours was nothing short of a crash course in business operations. Ryan moved through the store with surgical precision, examining everything from customer flow patterns to lighting angles. He ran his fingers along display cases, checking for dust. He tested the weight and balance of doors. He even inspected the hinges on jewelry boxes.

I followed silently, observing not just the store but Ryan himself.

"The security cameras in the northwest corner leave a three-second blind spot during rotation," Ryan noted, pointing to a seemingly random area near an emergency exit. "Fix the overlap pattern."

Marcus nodded, immediately punching notes into his tablet. "We’ll recalibrate today."

"This display is way too busy," Ryan continued, moving to a case featuring platinum watches. "We’re showing seventeen pieces where twelve would pack more punch. Quality over quantity."

A woman stepped forward - the merchandising director, I gathered. "We cranked up the density based on the quarterly report suggesting better sales with more options, but I totally agree with your assessment. We’ll reconfigure."

I watched, fascinated, as they discussed the psychology of luxury purchasing - how too many choices could actually kill sales in the super-premium segment.

When they reached the private viewing rooms, Ryan tested every chair, sat at every angle, and checked lighting from every possible perspective.

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