CHAPTER 180: CHAPTER 180 THE EXHIBITION AND THE ENEMY

Serena’s POV

I sank gratefully into the chair Ryan guided me toward. My back had been aching all morning, but I wasn’t about to admit that out loud. The exhibition hall buzzed with activity—LUXE Jewelry had certainly gone all out for this event. Ethan had managed to gather practically every influential figure in the city under one roof.

"Here, put this under your back," Ryan murmured, adjusting a small pillow behind me. His attentiveness still caught me off guard sometimes.

I was surveying the glittering crowd when Ethan Quinn himself spotted us and made his way over. His confident stride and warm smile reminded me how much I enjoyed working with him.

"Serena, Mr. Blackwood, I’m delighted you could make it," he greeted us warmly.

"Ethan, you’ve outdone yourself with this exhibition," I replied honestly, taking in the elaborate displays and perfect lighting that showcased each piece. "It’s absolutely breathtaking."

He grinned, clearly pleased with my assessment. "My trip to this city has been incredibly valuable. When I return to England, I’ll definitely recommend Dreamland Studio to all my business associates."

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "This collaboration has been a pleasure."

"It’s nothing," Ethan waved dismissively. "Once you’re back at the studio, we’ll continue working together."

"I’d like that."

Throughout our exchange, Ryan remained silent beside me, though his face maintained a polite smile. The possessive hand at the small of my back spoke volumes more than any words could.

Ethan soon excused himself to greet other guests, and I turned to Ryan with a teasing smile.

"Look at you behaving so well today. No jealousy fits."

Ryan chuckled softly. "Didn’t we already clear up those misunderstandings?"

"Of course," I laughed. "I’m just teasing."

We were still bantering when Maya approached, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Mr. Blackwood gracing us with his presence! Now that’s what I call a dedicated flower guardian," she said playfully.

To my surprise, Ryan responded with genuine courtesy. "Serena needs to be careful with her movements now. I appreciate you managing the studio affairs in her absence."

Maya looked momentarily stunned by his politeness. "Um, no need to thank me, Mr. Blackwood. It’s all part of the job."

After recovering, she shot me a wide-eyed look that clearly said "who is this man and what did he do with the real Ryan Blackwood?" I bit back a smile.

"The designers from our studio are all here," Maya continued, composing herself. "They’re impressed with the event planning. I’ve told them to take notes."

I nodded. "LUXE Jewelry is an established brand. This level of execution is what you’d expect."

"Absolutely. And Ethan is surprisingly down-to-earth for someone of his position—no airs at all," Maya added enthusiastically. "He’s been quite helpful during your absence."

I raised an eyebrow. "Has he?"

"Yeah, but don’t worry," Maya quickly clarified, knowing how I felt about owing favors. "I’ve handled all the necessary reciprocations. I know you hate being indebted to anyone."

I nodded appreciatively. Maya always understood my boundaries.

She looked around the bustling exhibition hall with a wistful expression. "I never imagined Dreamland would reach these heights. Serena, none of this would have been possible without you."

"Don’t be ridiculous," I chided gently. "We’re a golden duo. Neither of us could’ve done this alone."

Maya’s face brightened. "You’re right. Golden duo it is! Anyway, I should go chat with the design team. Enjoy yourselves."

After she left, Ryan helped me shift to a more comfortable position. My pregnancy was making itself known more each day, and standing for long periods had become increasingly difficult.

We’d barely exchanged a few words when a familiar figure approached and casually took the seat beside me without invitation.

I froze. Lucian West.

The man had an uncanny ability to appear at the most unexpected moments. His hair was perfectly styled as usual, those piercing green eyes scanning the room before settling on me.

"What a pleasant surprise finding you here, Mrs. Blackwood," he drawled, deliberately using my former title.

I felt Ryan tense beside me instantly. The temperature between us seemed to drop ten degrees.

"Mr. West," I acknowledged coolly. "I wasn’t aware you were invited."

He smiled that calculating smile that never quite reached his eyes. "The Quinn family and I have... mutual interests. Ethan was kind enough to extend an invitation."

Ryan’s hand moved to rest possessively on mine. "West," he said, his voice deceptively calm. "I believe we have some unfinished business discussions."

"Indeed we do, Blackwood," Lucian replied smoothly, not intimidated in the slightest. "Though I find myself more interested in your... reconciliation. The rumor mill has been working overtime."

My stomach twisted uncomfortably, and not from the baby. Lucian always had a way of making me feel like I was being analyzed under a microscope.

"Our personal matters aren’t up for discussion," I said firmly.

"Of course not," Lucian conceded with false sincerity. His eyes dropped briefly to my swollen belly before meeting my gaze again. "Congratulations are in order, I see."

Before either of us could respond, he stood up. "I won’t intrude any further on your evening. Enjoy the exhibition."

As he walked away, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

"How does he always manage to make simple congratulations sound like a threat?" I muttered.

Ryan’s jaw was tight. "He’s dangerous, Serena. West Industries has been making aggressive moves in the market lately."

"I know," I sighed, rubbing my temple. "Maya mentioned he’s been trying to arrange a meeting with me for weeks now."

"And you didn’t tell me?" Ryan’s voice sharpened.

"I didn’t think it was important," I replied honestly. "I’ve been declining all his requests."

Ryan’s expression darkened. "Anything involving Lucian West is important. Promise me you’ll keep your distance from him."

Something in his tone made me pause. This wasn’t just jealousy—there was genuine concern there.

"What aren’t you telling me about him?" I asked quietly.

Ryan hesitated, then leaned closer. "There are rumors about his business practices. Nothing concrete enough for legal action, but enough to raise serious concerns. Just... be careful."

I nodded slowly. "I will."

The baby chose that moment to deliver a particularly strong kick, making me wince slightly. Ryan immediately noticed.

"Are you alright? Do you need to leave?"

I shook my head, placing my hand over his and guiding it to the spot where our child was making its presence known. "Someone’s just excited about the party."