Serena’s POV
"Grandmother, we aren’t living separately," Ryan stepped in smoothly.
"Serena simply wanted to pursue her work. Uncle’s information isn’t accurate—he should be careful about believing rumors."
"Though it’s understandable," Ryan continued, seizing the opportunity, "since Uncle just returned to the country and isn’t up to date on dostic matters. Perhaps focusing on recovery would be better than concerning yourself with company business right now."
Ryan’s counterattack was brilliant, attempting to neutralize Kane’s ambitions regarding the company. But Kane didn’t seem rushed. He simply placed a piece of food on Evelyn’s plate.
"Mother, I’ve been away from ho so long that I can’t even keep track of simple family news. That’s what happens when you have no money, no power—when you’re practically useless."
At the word "useless," I saw Ryan close his eyes briefly, knowing what was coming.
Sure enough, Evelyn bristled imdiately. "Kane! The Blackwood assets have always included your share. How can you speak about yourself this way?"
The elderly woman turned to her beloved grandson. "Ryan, did you hear what your uncle just said?"
Under the pressure from his grandmother, Ryan had no choice but to concede.
"I understand, Grandmother," he said, surprising everyone. "Uncle’s experience could be valuable. I’d be happy to discuss transitioning so of our European operations under his managent."
A peace offering? No—I could tell it was a strategic move. Give Kane enough responsibility to keep him occupied but not enough to cause real damage.
Kane seed montarily caught off guard by the concession. "I’m... pleased you recognize what I bring to the table."
I observed them all while pretending to be absorbed in my al.
The façade of family harmony was paper-thin, with currents of ambition and resentnt swirling beneath.
Every smile concealed a calculation; every pleasantry masked a power play. I couldn’t wait to escape this battlefield disguised as a dining room.
After dessert, Evelyn announced she needed to rest and excused herself upstairs. I imdiately saw my opportunity.
"I should be going too," I said, rising from my chair. "I have so designs to finalize for tomorrow’s client eting."
Ryan stood as well. "I’ll drive you."
"How chivalrous," Kane drawled once Evelyn was out of earshot. "Though I don’t see why you bother with the charade when it’s just us. I’m family, after all."
Ryan went still, a dangerous quiet settling over him as he turned to face his uncle.
"Let make sothing absolutely clear," he said, his voice low and controlled. "Whatever ga you’re playing—whatever you think you’re going to accomplish by coming back here—I suggest you reconsider. Test if you want, but understand the consequences."
Kane’s fake smile dropped entirely, revealing the coldness beneath. "Is that a threat, nephew? Not very hospitable."
"It’s a reality check," Ryan replied. "You’re welco back in the family, Kane. But stay in your lane."
"My lane?" Kane’s laugh was brittle. "This was my company before your father stole it from . Don’t lecture about lanes in the house I grew up in."
Ryan ’s smile curled into sothing sharp and scornful."Oh, well. Clearly, you still haven’t faced the truth."
His voice was laced with disdain, sharp as broken glass. "A cripple like you thinks he can still turn the world upside down?Don’t make laugh."
I stood frozen, witnessing the mask of civility finally slip away completely.
"Co on, Serena," Ryan said without breaking eye contact with Kane. "Let’s go."
As Ryan guided toward the door with his hand at the small of my back, I could feel Kane’s eyes burning into us.
I stopped short and brushed his hand off.
“No need,” I said, my voice cool. “I can leave on my own.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked quickly out of the old house.
I wasn’t going to be caught in the middle of whatever power play he and Kane were engaged in.
I refused to be their pawn.
* * *
Author’s POV
The tension remained thick in the living room as uncle and nephew continued their standoff.
"What exactly are you implying, Ryan?" Kane’s voice cut through the silence.
"You really think I don’t know the truth about what happened back then?" Ryan’s eyes narrowed as he glanced at Kane’s wheelchair. "If it weren’t for Grandmother’s sake, you would have lost more than just your legs."
Ryan fought the urge to kick the wheelchair over. Instead, he restrained himself and turned to leave, his long legs carrying him toward the door.
Kane let out a derisive laugh. "Even if you know, so what? Blackwood Group is partly mine too. You can’t stop ."
That final remark ignited Ryan’s fury. He turned back, his eyes reddening with anger as he faced his uncle.
"Since you’re so eager to take over company affairs, I’ll make sure you get your wish. Just wait and see."
Ryan strode out, leaving the living room in silence. Monts later, the sound of shattering glass echoed through the space.
Kane’s hand bled from the broken glass, but he felt no pain. His eyes glead with malice. Now that he was back, he was determined to prove to his nephew that he was far from a cripple.
* * *
Ivy’s POV
I spent a few days at the Blackwood estate before Ryan’s people arranged new accommodations for .
They even set up with a new job—though not the one I’d hoped for.
Instead of returning to Blackwood’s jewelry design studio, I found myself at a diocre workshop with barely any reputation in the city.
I was still designing, sure, but no one took seriously. The only silver lining was that because of my connection to Ryan, nobody dared mistreat outright. Life was... tolerable, I guess.
After finishing work one evening, I was walking ho along my usual route when a black SUV screeched to a halt beside at a deserted intersection.
Before I could even process what was happening, two n in dark suits leaped out and grabbed .
I scread, but they shoved a cloth into my mouth, silencing instantly. My heart hamred against my chest as they bound my wrists and ankles with zip ties and threw into the back of the vehicle.
Panic flooded my body.
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