CHAPTER 288: CHAPTER 288 A WEDDING INVITATION

Serena’s POV

The media storm had finally begun to die down, but I knew better than to assume this meant our troubles were over.

"The worst is behind us," Ethan explained, sliding a report across the polished mahogany table. "But our public image is still pretty banged up. The stock has dropped seventeen percent since Dad’s hospitalization."

I scanned the numbers, feeling my stomach drop. "How long until we see recovery?"

"Three months at minimum," he replied, loosening his tie with a weary sigh. "And that’s with going full throttle on damage control."

"I’ve been putting together a comprehensive charity initiative," Ethan continued, pulling up a presentation on his tablet. "Strategic donations to London’s most respected institutions—children’s hospitals, education foundations, historical preservation. It’s our fastest way to clean up the Quinn name."

"That’s brilliant," I nodded, leaning forward to examine the detailed proposal. "Start with the children’s hospital. It looks great, and the cause is genuinely worthy."

What I didn’t expect was for our efforts to hit a brick wall at every turn.

Within forty-eight hours, Ethan’s carefully crafted charity initiative crashed and burned. Every organization we approached suddenly got cold feet, offering vague excuses about "scheduling conflicts" or "procedural complications."

"They said no?" I stared at my assistant Lucy in disbelief as she delivered the news. "St. Margaret’s Children’s Hospital actually passed on a seven-figure donation?"

"I’m afraid so, Mrs. Serena," Lucy replied, visibly uncomfortable. "They cited recent... bad press regarding the Quinn family. The director suggested perhaps revisiting the partnership when things have ’cooled off.’"

Ethan slammed his fist against the desk, his face turning red with anger. "This is total bullshit! Since when do charitable organizations turn down legitimate donations?"

The door swung open, and Ryan strode in with Simon trailing behind him, both men wearing matching expressions of grim seriousness. My heart lifted slightly at the sight of Ryan—he moved through the world with such unwavering confidence, as if uncertainty was a concept that simply didn’t apply to him.

"Since someone started pulling strings behind the scenes," Ryan answered, having overheard Ethan’s outburst. "My sources have confirmed it’s not happening naturally. Someone’s actively shutting you down."

I crossed my arms, already pretty sure I knew the answer. "Who?"

"Silas Parker," Ryan confirmed, his jaw tightening. "His dirty work is all over this. His assistant has been making visits to every major charitable foundation in London."

Ethan’s expression darkened. "Parker. Of course it would be him."

For those unfamiliar with London’s jewelry dynasty rivalries, the Quinn-Parker feud was the stuff of legends. What had begun as healthy competition decades ago had escalated into all-out war when LUXE Jewelry Company—our family business—had shot to the top while Parker Gems crashed and burned in a catastrophic investment failure. Silas Parker had never forgiven my father for succeeding where he had failed.

"Parker would screw over children’s cancer treatments just to get back at our family," Ethan muttered, disgust evident in his voice. "He’s been waiting forever for us to stumble."

Ryan moved to stand beside me, his hand resting protectively at the small of my back. "There are other ways to rebuild your reputation. Parker can only block so much."

As if on cue, Lucy reappeared at the door, this time bearing a thick cream envelope embossed with the Parker family crest.

"This was just delivered by courier," she explained, placing it on the desk.

Ethan picked it up, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief as he read the contents. "You’ve got to be joking."

"What is it?" I asked, moving closer.

"A wedding invitation," Ethan scoffed, handing me the ornate card. "Elena Parker is getting married this weekend at the Dorchester. And we’re all invited."

I studied the elaborate invitation with its gold leaf detailing and fancy calligraphy. Elena’s marriage had been arranged years ago—a business alliance with the son of another prominent family. But the timing of this sudden ceremony couldn’t be more suspicious.

"How perfect," I remarked, my voice cool despite the anger simmering beneath. "The Parkers host London’s biggest social event of the season just as our family faces its darkest hour."

"It’s all for show," Ryan observed, his analytical mind always way ahead. "Silas wants to show off his daughter’s advantageous marriage while your father is hospitalized and your company is vulnerable. It’s pure theater designed to showcase his family’s strength against your obvious weakness."

Ethan’s laugh was bitter. "Should we send our regrets, then? Rob him of the pleasure of watching us squirm through his daughter’s wedding reception?"

I placed the invitation back on the desk, my mind made up. "No. We’re going."

"Serena..." Ethan began, concern evident in his voice.

"This is exactly what Silas wants—for us to hide in shame while he presents himself as London’s rising jewelry dynasty," I insisted. "We can’t give him that victory."

Ryan’s eyes met mine, approval and understanding passing between us. "I agree. Sometimes the most powerful statement is simply showing your face."

The same invitation arrived at the Quinn family estate later that evening, causing a totally different reaction from my sisters. I’d just returned from checking on Vivian, who was peacefully sleeping under the watchful eye of her nurse, when I found Eleanor and Zoe going at it in the drawing room.

"This is a trap," Eleanor insisted, waving the invitation like it was radioactive. "Silas Parker deliberately timed this wedding to humiliate us. With Father in the hospital and all these rumors circulating, he wants the entire Quinn family on parade like wounded animals."

My mother had already retired upstairs, emotionally exhausted after spending the day at my father’s bedside. The news of his condition had hit her like a truck; only our combined efforts had prevented her from camping out in his hospital room permanently.

"Is that what you think, Eleanor? That we should crawl into a hole and let everyone believe the worst about our family?" Zoe challenged, her fiery temperament in full force. "That’s exactly what Silas Parker wants."

I entered the room, catching the tail end of their debate. "Zoe’s right," I said quietly, causing both sisters to turn toward me. "We’re going to that wedding."

Eleanor shook her head, genuine concern in her eyes. "Serena, think about this. This isn’t just any social event—it’s designed specifically to make us uncomfortable. Parker will have the room packed with people loyal to him. You’ll be walking into a snake pit."

I moved to the antique sideboard and poured myself a small glass of brandy, feeling the weight of the past few days bearing down on me. "Then it’s a good thing I’ve had practice with snakes."

"I love your attitude," Zoe grinned, her eyes sparkling with the promise of confrontation. "Let’s show those vultures that it takes more than rumors to take down the Quinn family."

Eleanor sighed in defeat. "Fine, but what about proof? What about clearing Father’s name? The wedding is in three days, Serena. Does Ryan have anything solid yet?"

I sipped the amber liquid slowly, feeling its warmth spread through my chest. The truth was, I had no idea if Ryan’s investigation had turned up anything real. He’d been working 24/7 with his security team, chasing leads across three continents. But Edward Quinn had decades to cover his tracks, and time was not on our side.

"If Ryan finds the evidence, great," I finally answered, setting down my glass with quiet determination. "If not, we still hold our ground. Either way, I want Silas Parker and everyone else to understand one thing crystal clear—"

"My father may be in a hospital bed, but the Quinn family is far from finished. Not even close."