CHAPTER 195: CHAPTER 195 STREETSIDE AMBUSH

Ryan’s POV

I sat in the car with my eyes half-closed, pretending to rest while my mind worked through the day’s events. Business had been relatively smooth lately—Kane and Lucian West hadn’t caused any significant problems for Blackwood Group.

But company matters weren’t my priority right now. My thoughts kept circling back to Serena and her health.

"Drive faster," I instructed my driver quietly. He nodded and pressed the accelerator.

Traffic was flowing well before rush hour, everything proceeding normally until we reached an intersection. Without warning, a car came barreling toward us.

My driver swerved immediately, trying to avoid collision. The other vehicle unexpectedly accelerated, prompting a curse from my driver. I opened my eyes fully, sensing trouble.

CRASH!

Our car shuddered violently before stalling. The seatbelt held me firmly in place, preventing any serious injury.

"Are you alright, Mr. Blackwood?" Simon asked anxiously, turning around.

"I’m fine," I replied, my voice steady despite the situation. "Go check what happened."

Simon nodded and stepped out of the car. Our vehicle had sustained minimal damage, but the other car hadn’t fared as well. Its driver was bleeding from the head, and the windshield had shattered, leaving cuts along his arms.

From inside the car, I watched Simon’s body language shift as he assessed the scene. His posture stiffened—he’d noticed something suspicious. Someone in the gathering crowd had already called the police.

I observed as Simon confronted the other driver, his tone sharp with accusation. "What’s your name? Who sent you?"

The man clutched his bleeding head, looking pathetic. "What are you talking about? It was an accident! Your car is expensive—I can’t afford to pay for damages."

"An accident? What exactly malfunctioned with your vehicle?"

The driver lowered his head, refusing to answer.

Simon stepped forward aggressively, grabbing the man’s collar. "Tell me who sent you! If I have to investigate this myself, things will get much worse for you."

Fear flickered across the man’s face, his lips turning pale. "L-let go of me! The police will be here soon. You can’t assault someone in public—I’m injured!"

"If you don’t talk now, you’ll pay every penny in damages when the police arrive. I’ll get a medical examination, and you’ll be financially ruined."

That threat finally broke him. "Fine, fine! It was Lucian West who paid me to do this!"

"This has nothing to do with me personally. I just took the money to do a job. Please, I have a family to support."

Simon released him as police sirens grew louder. He handled the situation efficiently, explaining what happened and leaving his contact information.

When Simon returned to the car, I asked directly, "Did you get answers?"

"Yes, Mr. Blackwood. It was Mr. West who sent him."

My eyes narrowed as I considered this information. Would Lucian really be so impulsive as to come after me directly? And if he wanted to stage an "accident," why was the execution so amateurish? I emerged completely unharmed—hardly the outcome he would have wanted.

As we approached Dreamland Studio, the questions still troubled me.

"Keep an eye on that driver," I instructed Simon. "Find out who really hired him. If it was Lucian, there should be evidence of communication."

"Of course, sir."

I glanced at the damaged car one more time. "You all can head back now. Don’t mention today’s incident to Serena."

Simon hesitated visibly. "Mr. Blackwood, perhaps I should stay. If something else happens—"

I cut him off with a slight shake of my head. "Lucian isn’t that stupid. Go."

After Simon left, I entered Dreamland Studio, where the receptionist immediately stood to greet me.

"Mr. Blackwood! Ms. Quinn is in her office. Would you like me to show you the way?"

"No need," I replied, heading directly to Serena’s office.

When I opened the door, I saw her in that beautiful new dress, and couldn’t help smiling. The Dior piece accentuated her pregnancy glow perfectly.

"What took you so long? I was about to fall asleep waiting," Serena said, lazily reclined on the couch. She looked tired—overworked, as I’d suspected. Her tendency to push herself too hard during pregnancy worried me constantly.

"Had some business to handle on the way," I answered smoothly. "You look beautiful today. Any special occasion?"

Her face lit up with a radiant smile that still took my breath away. "Of course! I’m planning a candlelight dinner with you."

"Maya was telling me about her romantic dinners and coastal drives in London with Ethan. I thought we could have our own special evening," she continued, taking my arm as we walked toward the exit.

I nodded, agreeing without hesitation. "Sounds perfect."

Once outside, Serena looked around, confusion crossing her face. "Where’s your car?"

I thought fast. "Someone from the company needed it. I sent them back already. We can take yours—I’ll drive."

She blinked those expressive eyes at me. "That works."

She began searching through her bag for her keys, eventually locating them and placing them in my palm.

"Mr. Blackwood, you’re on chauffeur duty tonight," she teased.

I scanned the parking area, noticing immediately that her vehicle wasn’t there. "Your car doesn’t seem to be here."

Serena smacked her forehead lightly. "Oh! I completely forgot—Celeste took it to meet a client. She probably won’t be back for a while."

"Then let’s skip driving altogether," I suggested quickly, relief washing over me at the thought of keeping her safely away from cars for now.

Serena’s brows furrowed as she studied my face intently. Something in my expression must have given me away.

"Ryan, are you hiding something from me?"

Damn. She always could read me too well.