Ryan’s POV
The mont I stepped into my office, I could feel the tension. Every employee seed to walk on eggshells, watching cautiously as I strode through the halls. My two-week absence might as well have been two years with how much had changed.
"Give the complete rundown," I ordered Simon as soon as my office door closed. "Don’t spare details."
Simon handed a thick folder. "Kane’s recovery has been faster than any doctor predicted. The Vergara specialists apparently used an experintal treatnt that’s proven remarkably effective."
"Remarkably convenient, you an," I muttered, flipping through dical reports that seed suspiciously optimistic.
"Yes, sir." Simon cleared his throat. "While you were away, Kane managed to transfer a significant portion of his Blackwood shares to Tiffany before we could freeze all his assets."
"How?" I slamd the folder down, my patience wearing thin.
"He used a shell company we weren’t aware of." Simon looked uncomfortable. "Our legal team is investigating, but—"
"But by the ti they figure it out, Kane and Tiffany will be married, and it won’t matter." I completed his thought, leaning back in my chair.
"Keep close surveillance on Kane," I finally ordered. "I want to know everywhere he goes, everyone he ets. Don’t let him pull any more stunts without knowing about it first."
"Yes, Boss."
After Simon left, I poured myself two fingers of whiskey, despite it being barely noon. The burning liquid did nothing to ease the cold anger settling in my chest. Kane had made his move while I was distracted with Serena in London. Smart play.
My phone buzzed with a text from Serena: "At the studio with Maya. Don’t worry, I’m sitting down."
I smiled despite myself. Even with everything going on, she still managed to ease my mind. I quickly typed back: "Just for a few hours. Coming ho to check on you at lunch."
Setting down my phone, I pulled up the latest financial reports. Kane’s bold move would impress shareholders, but I had sothing he would never have—Serena and our child. The thought of our growing family strengthened my resolve. I wouldn’t let Kane threaten what mattered most.
"Simon!" I called, already formulating my counterattack. "Get Lucian West on the phone. It’s ti Celestial Gems and Blackwood ford a united front."
Kane wanted war? I’d show him what happened when he challenged a man with everything to fight for.
Serena’s POV
I stretched out on our massive king bed, grumbling as I tried to find a comfortable position. Being eight months pregnant made everything difficult, especially sleeping. Ryan had been gone for hours now, rushing off to the office after barely unpacking. I couldn’t bla him though—Kane’s miraculous recovery had thrown everything into chaos.
My phone buzzed with another notification about Kane and Tiffany. God, they were everywhere! I scrolled through the photos of them looking absolutely perfect together at so charity event, her hand possessively on his arm while he stood—actually stood—beaming like he’d conquered the world. The caption announced their wedding date, barely a month away.
"Couldn’t even wait for the ink to dry on his dical clearance," I muttered, tossing my phone aside.
I must have dozed off eventually because I woke to Ryan sliding into bed beside , his cologne mingling with the faint scent of whiskey.
"You’re ho late," I mumbled, my voice thick with sleep.
He pulled gently against his chest, his hand finding its way to my belly. "Sorry. There was a lot to catch up on."
"Kane?" I asked, though I already knew the answer.
"That bastard’s been busy." Ryan’s voice was low, dangerous. "He’s marrying Tiffany next month."
I shifted to face him in the darkness. "I saw. Maya thinks we shouldn’t worry."
"Maya doesn’t understand what’s at stake," he said, but there was no heat in his words. "With Tiffany’s backing, Kane has actual leverage now. She’s already using the shares he transferred to her."
"How the hell did he manage that?" I pushed myself up on my elbow, suddenly wide awake. "I thought those transactions were frozen."
Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Let’s just say Kane’s more resourceful than I gave him credit for."
"So what now?" I asked, feeling a flutter of anxiety that had nothing to do with the baby kicking.
"Now we play the ga better than they do." His voice hardened. "I’ve already put Simon on surveillance duty. Kane won’t be able to sneeze without knowing about it."
The next morning, I headed to Dreamland despite Ryan’s protests. I needed normalcy, needed to feel useful beyond just being an incubator, even if only for a few hours.
Maya squealed when I walked in, imdiately abandoning her sketches to rush over and hug —as much as my belly would allow.
"You’re glowing!" she declared, stepping back to admire the London gifts I’d brought her. "And this bag is absolutely perfect!"
I smiled, sinking gratefully onto our studio couch. "I thought it would match that ridiculous blouse you bought last month."
"The one you said made look like a walking disco ball?" Maya struck a pose. "It’s called fashion, darling."
Her expression suddenly changed to one of mock outrage. "Wait a minute—why hasn’t your brother brought anything? He promised to visit ’soon,’ and it’s been weeks! Not a single text!"
I laughed. "Don’t be dramatic. Ethan’s probably buried in work right now."
"n!" Maya threw her hands up. "The mont they think they’ve got you, they stop trying!"
"That’s not fair," I protested. "If I weren’t so pregnant and miserable, I’d send you to London myself to see him properly."
Maya rolled her eyes spectacularly. "I was joking! But look at you, taking your brother’s side over your best friend who’s been through hell and back with you!"
I grabbed her hand and pulled her down beside . "Co on, when you marry into the Quinn family, we’ll all be relatives anyway."
"Stop!" Maya groaned. "Seriously, does your brother have so terminal illness I don’t know about? Why are you so desperate to marry us off?"
"Don’t say that!" I laughed. "Ethan’s perfectly healthy—always has been. He’s just... never shown interest in anyone before you."
Maya’s expression softened. "Fine, no more jokes. But you need to focus on yourself right now. You’re due in a month, Serena! No more coming to the studio unless it’s absolutely necessary. When this baby arrives, I want to be the godmother!"
My eyes twinkled as I saw my opportunity. "Wouldn’t that be confusing? Shouldn’t the baby call you ’Aunt Maya’ instead?"
"There you go again!" Maya’s face flushed bright red as she swatted at my arm.
I laughed, feeling lighter than I had in days.
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