CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 350

Chapter 350: Chapter 350 Partnership Doubt

Serena’s POV

I slipped out of my car and into the underground bar right on time, my heart hammering against my ribs. The manager nodded at me from across the room and discreetly passed me a thick envelope. My fingers trembled slightly as I took it.

"Would you like to review it here?" he asked quietly.

"Just a quick glance," I murmured, carefully opening the file.

The first thing that caught my eye were the photographs - a woman who looked eerily like me, her features mirroring mine with about seven or eight points of similarity. But there were subtle differences around the eyes, the curve of her mouth.

My gaze flitted across various news clippings and reports - some showing Ryan and this woman in loving embraces, others capturing heated arguments on city streets caught by persistent paparazzi. I quickly closed the file, unable to process everything in this dingy bar with its oppressive atmosphere.

"Mrs. Lancaster, are you satisfied with what you see?" the manager asked, studying my reaction.

I took a deep breath, struggling to compose myself. "Thank you for your efforts," I said quietly, handing over a card with the agreed-upon payment.

He accepted it with a nervous glance. "Mrs. Lancaster, I’m sure you understand how sensitive this is. Once you walk out that door, I’d appreciate if you forget this place exists. I don’t particularly want Mr. Blackwood’s attention or retribution just for making a few bucks. You understand, right?"

"I understand completely. Your discretion is guaranteed," I assured him, clutching the file like it might burn through my fingers.

The weight of it felt impossible, like carrying a thousand pounds as I hurried back to my car. My heart pounded so violently I could hear the blood rushing in my ears.

Finding a quiet spot by the roadside, I parked and finally allowed myself to properly examine the file’s contents. My expression grew increasingly grim with each page I turned. Everything Cedric had told me was documented here - verifiable and undeniable.

Ryan Blackwood was exactly the hypocrite Cedric had described. While presenting a picture-perfect marriage to the public, he’d been secretly involved with other women during his wife’s prime years. Their pattern of marriage, divorce, and remarriage spoke volumes about his unreliability.

And after his wife’s car accident? She’d simply vanished. The file included numerous speculations that Ryan himself had been responsible, that he’d hidden her away or worse.

God, what a mess.

I stared blankly through the windshield, my mind racing. It seemed increasingly likely that Ryan had harmed me and was using me as some kind of replacement for his missing wife.

After sitting in stunned silence for several minutes, I made a decision. I got out of my car and methodically tore the documents to shreds, dropping them into a nearby trash bin. This information was for me alone - dangerous in anyone else’s hands.

The night air cut through my thin jacket, making me shiver involuntarily.

When I arrived home, Cedric was waiting in the living room, immediately rising when I entered.

"Serena, where have you been so late?" He rushed forward, concern etched across his features. "You’re so underdressed for this weather - your hands are freezing!"

He took my hands between his, rubbing them gently.

"I’m fine," I said, forcing a small smile. "Why aren’t you in bed yet?"

"I was waiting for you. Serena, you haven’t been yourself lately. Is it Rancy’s situation that’s bothering you so much?"

"Go to work tomorrow without worrying. I’ll talk to Rancy myself," he continued. "Children make new friends quickly. She’ll forget about all this soon enough."

Sally smiled knowingly. "I’ll leave you two alone," she said with a teasing lilt as she slipped out. 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

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