CHAPTER 168: CHAPTER 168 WHEN TRUST TURNS TO ASH

Serena’s POV

I left work with my mind buzzing. As I walked toward the entrance of Dreamland Studio, I spotted a familiar figure—Ethan Quinn. The moment our eyes met, his expression shifted from business-like to genuinely warm.

"Serena!" He quickened his pace toward me.

I smiled, genuinely happy to see him. "Ethan, you’re early! I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow."

He shrugged casually. "Thought I’d come see your brilliant operation ahead of schedule." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Though I just had the strangest meeting."

My stomach tensed. "What meeting?"

"Someone claiming to be Ryan’s assistant approached me at my hotel. Oddly enough, she suggested we postpone our collaboration because you’re apparently too... exhausted."

I froze, my blood turning to ice. "What? I never—Ryan wouldn’t—" The pieces clicked together in my mind. Someone was deliberately trying to sabotage my partnership with LUXE.

"I figured as much," Ethan replied. "The whole thing felt off. She was quite insistent that Mr. Blackwood had your best interests at heart."

"That absolute—" I bit back my words, taking a deep breath instead. "Ethan, whatever she told you was completely false. Our partnership is moving forward exactly as planned."

Ethan studied my face. "I know. That’s why I came straight here." His eyes drifted momentarily to my growing belly. "Though I am concerned about your workload. Are you sure you’re up for this?"

"As you can see, I’m perfectly fine," I replied, straightening my posture despite the ache in my lower back. Six months pregnant, and I refused to let it slow me down.

He examined my face carefully, seeming satisfied with my healthy complexion. "Even if your energy levels are good, you shouldn’t overexert yourself. I’ll assign additional LUXE staff to help manage this collaboration—keep things running smoothly."

I nodded appreciatively. "Thank you. I’d be grateful for the support."

"No need for such formality. We’re old friends, aren’t we?" He smiled. "I just arrived today. Shouldn’t you be treating me to a welcome dinner?"

"Of course," I laughed. "I’ve already made arrangements. Once we finish discussing business, we can head to dinner. How does that sound?"

"Perfect. I’m at your disposal."

After we wrapped up our work discussion, Ethan stepped out to take a call. Left alone on the sofa, I finally let my facade crack. My face fell as the reality of the situation sank in.

I couldn’t believe Ryan would go this far—secretly trying to sabotage my partnership with LUXE. It was beyond petty; it was despicable.

I was still lost in thought when Ethan returned, an apologetic smile on his face.

"Serena, I’m sorry, but I’ll have to take a rain check on dinner. An important LUXE client is leaving New York tomorrow, so..."

I snapped back to reality and nodded with a forced smile. "I completely understand. We’ll have plenty of other opportunities. Go ahead."

"Great. I should get going then. See you soon."

I walked Ethan out of the studio. Just as I was about to turn back, I spotted a familiar car pulling up to the entrance. Ryan stepped out from the back seat, his eyes meeting mine across the distance. He didn’t immediately approach—just stood there, watching me.

After days of cold war, he’d finally decided to be the one to make amends. I took a deep breath and stepped forward, a bitter laugh escaping my lips.

"Is the great Mr. Blackwood here to personally check whether Dreamland Studio and LUXE are actually collaborating?" My tone dripped with sarcasm.

He looked momentarily taken aback. Clearly, things weren’t going according to whatever script he’d prepared.

"What, cat got your tongue?" I snapped when he didn’t immediately respond. "Feeling embarrassed now that I’ve caught you in the act?"

Ryan’s expression shifted from confident to confused. Clearly whatever game he was playing, he hadn’t expected me to be three steps ahead.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," he finally said, taking a step toward me.

"Don’t play dumb with me!" I crossed my arms over my chest, feeling my baby bump press against my forearms. "Sending your little messenger to sabotage my partnership with LUXE? Really, Ryan? That’s low even for you."

His brows furrowed. "Serena, I genuinely have no idea—"

"Save it!" I cut him off, my voice trembling slightly with anger. "Dreamland Studio is MY company. MY creation. I don’t need Blackwood Enterprises, and I certainly don’t need you meddling in my business relationships!"

I took another step toward him, jabbing a finger in his direction. "Let me make this perfectly clear one more time: my business is independent. I don’t need to ride on your coattails or the Blackwood name. What I do with my career and who I partner with is entirely MY decision, and you have absolutely no right to interfere."

Ryan’s face darkened as he processed my words. Whatever reconciliation he might have come here seeking was clearly off the table now. The cold war between us had just turned scorching hot.

"Is that what Ethan Quinn told you?" he asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

"Does it matter? Your representative made it crystal clear this morning," I fired back, hands now protectively resting on my stomach. "Did you think I wouldn’t find out? That I’d just sit back while you tried to control me from the shadows?"

Whatever he had come here for—apology, explanation, maybe even reconciliation—was dead before it could take form.

The cold war between us had just gone nuclear.