CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Don’t give up at the final hurdle

Serena’s POV

Grandmother Blackwood glanced at the receipts, then let out a cold laugh that sent chills down my spine. With a flick of her wrist, she tossed the papers directly into Ivy’s face.

"Have I gone senile? I don’t recall any connection between the Blackwood family and you, Ivy Hart. These clothes you’re buying—why should the Blackwoods pay for them?"

The humiliation on Ivy’s face was immediate. Around us, the store employees began whispering, barely concealing their amusement at her predicament. I fought to keep my expression neutral, but inside I was experiencing a shameful sense of satisfaction.

"Mrs. Blackwood, I was only—" Ivy stammered, her usual confidence crumbling.

"Don’t think I’m unaware of your recent antics," Grandmother cut her off with brutal efficiency. "You’ve been dismissed from Blackwood Enterprises. Where you work now is none of my concern, but if you ever misuse the Blackwood name again, I won’t be so lenient!"

Her eyes narrowed dangerously, radiating an authority that could make anyone cower.

I knew within hours this incident would spread throughout Century Plaza like wildfire.

Ryan might not care about the money—Ivy had clearly been doing this for quite some time—but now, without access to funds and accustomed to a lavish lifestyle, Grandmother’s words had effectively crushed Ivy’s last hope.

"Mrs. Blackwood, please hear me out! It wasn’t what you think," Ivy pleaded, her composure completely gone. "I can explain everything—I was set up! Someone framed me!"

Before I could react, Ivy lunged forward, desperately trying to grab onto Grandmother’s legs in a pathetic display of begging.

I quickly pulled Grandmother back a few steps, and immediately the security guards stepped in to block Ivy’s advance.

"It really wasn’t my fault!" she cried, mascara beginning to run down her cheeks.

Grandmother snorted dismissively and turned to the store staff. "Her bills are her responsibility. If she can’t pay, handle it according to your store policy."

The employees nodded in understanding. The message was crystal clear: Ivy’s Blackwood connection—her meal ticket—had been permanently revoked.

Grandmother squeezed my hand gently, her stern expression melting into warm affection as she turned to me.

"Serena, dear, did that frighten you? This is exactly how you should handle women trying to attach themselves to Ryan. You’re young and perhaps too kind-hearted, but you can always tell Grandmother, and I’ll take care of it for you."

I nodded automatically, but my heart was filled with conflicted emotions.

The truth was painfully obvious—Grandmother had always known about Ivy’s existence. She simply hadn’t intervened before because Ryan had protected Ivy.

Now that there seemed to be problems between them, she was finally wielding her authority, trying to win me over.

Still, watching Ivy’s spectacular fall from grace did give me a certain satisfaction. After everything she’d done to sabotage me, seeing her reduced to begging was...vindicating.

The unexpected confrontation had dampened both our moods. After a few more minutes of halfhearted browsing, Grandmother suggested we head home.

"Serena, why don’t you come back with me? Ryan is ill, and we don’t know how he’s doing right now." 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

I shook my head slowly, not ready to face him yet. "Grandmother, please give me time to think."

She sighed, disappointment evident in her eyes. "Very well, but don’t wait too long. Serena, I’ve lived long enough to know that a man’s heart will grow cold if you don’t keep it warm.

You’ve invested three years in this marriage—don’t give up at the final hurdle."

I watched her car disappear into traffic, wondering if she was right.

Had I really invested too much to walk away now? Or was this exactly the moment when I needed to be strongest?

My phone buzzed in my purse—Maya checking in on me.

I sent her a quick message that I’d be back at the studio soon.

Whatever happened with Ryan, I still had a life and career of my own to build. That, at least, was something no one could take from me.

The vast master bedroom felt hollow without her presence.

He sank onto the edge of the bed, noticing how illness had made him unexpectedly emotional. His phone vibrated suddenly, but the name flashing wasn’t Serena’s.

Ivy Hart. Again.

The persistent buzzing irritated him beyond measure. Ryan immediately blocked the number, his jaw tight with resolve.

Moments later, an unknown number lit up his screen. He answered with caution.

"Ryan, you can’t abandon me like this!" Ivy’s voice came through, tearful and desperate. "I’ve lost my studio, I have no money, I’ll be sleeping on the streets soon!"

Her pitiful sobbing echoed through the speaker. Just weeks ago, he would have rushed to her rescue without question. But everything had changed now.

"Ryan, if not for me, then for Sophie’s sake! I’m her only sister!" Ivy played her trump card, knowing full well how Sophie’s memory had controlled him for years.

"ENOUGH!" His voice thundered through the room. "Haven’t I helped you enough all these years? You made your mistakes—now face the consequences."

Ryan gripped the phone tightly, his knuckles turning white. "Ivy, don’t call me again. Your problems are no longer my concern. Ever."

A shocked gasp came from the other end. "Ryan, how can you be so heartless?"

"Perhaps it’s time you reflected on your own actions." He ended the call with a decisive tap.

Leaning back against the headboard, Ryan let out a long, weary sigh. The weight of his decision pressed heavily on his chest. Breaking ties with Ivy felt like another step away from Sophie’s memory.

Would Sophie understand? Or would she hate him for abandoning her sister?

For the first time, Ryan realized he cared less about that answer than he once did.