CEO’s Regret After I Divorced (Serena and Ryan) novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44: Chapter 44 We have a deal

Author’s POV

Eliza Quinn had been watching Ryan and Serena’s interaction with calculated interest.

The tension between them was palpable, confirming her suspicions that their relationship was far more complicated than mere business acquaintances. She saw her opportunity when Serena walked away, leaving Ryan standing alone with that unmistakable look of longing on his face.

She approached him confidently, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she positioned herself directly in his line of sight.

"Unrequited love is such a painful thing to witness, Mr. Blackwood," she remarked with a knowing smile playing on her lips.

Ryan’s face immediately hardened. "What exactly do you want, Miss Quinn?"

"I’m merely making an observation," Eliza replied, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "And perhaps offering some assistance. Women understand other women in ways men simply can’t."

"And why would you help me?" Ryan asked, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

Eliza tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Because I see potential for a mutually beneficial arrangement. And because Serena isn’t as indifferent to you as she pretends to be."

That caught his attention. Ryan’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly, but Eliza didn’t miss it. She’d successfully baited her hook.

"What exactly are you proposing?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

"I’ve just returned to establish myself here," Eliza explained. "I need resources, connections, a studio of my own, a platform for my jewelry brand. You have all of that at your disposal."

Ryan crossed his arms. "And in return?"

She personally oversaw every detail, from the venue selection to the lighting design, determined to create a spectacle worthy of attention.

A week later, an elegantly designed invitation arrived at Dreamland Studio.

The envelope, addressed specifically to Serena Blackwood rather than her professional name Lazuli, contained a handwritten note from Eliza requesting Serena’s presence as a special guest.

Maya picked up the invitation from the reception desk, examining it with a frown before bringing it to Serena’s office.

She found her friend bent over sketches for their upcoming collection, completely absorbed in her work.

"You might want to see this," Maya said, placing the invitation on top of Serena’s sketches.