CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER 43 DID HIS ALLERGIES MAGICALLY DISAPPEAR?

Serena’s POV

It wasn’t long before Mr. Quinn appeared.

I noticed Mr. Quinn arriving with a young woman by his side—his apprentice designer from overseas who was looking to establish herself here in the city.

The event tonight was partly orchestrated to help expand her network, quite the grand introduction.

Maya and I made our way over to greet them. In the design world, Mr. Quinn was practically royalty—someone nobody would dare disrespect.

"Dreamland Jewelry," he said, nodding appreciatively as we approached. "I’ve heard about your brand. Quite impressive reputation. I didn’t expect the founders to be so young—you two have remarkable potential ahead of you."

Maya immediately blushed at his praise, waving her hands dismissively. "Mr. Quinn, this is all Serena’s achievement. I just handle the business side of things."

"So you’re the famous Lazuli," Mr. Quinn’s eyes brightened with recognition as he studied me more carefully. "I’ve seen your designs—they truly possess a special spirit.

This is my granddaughter and apprentice, Eliza Quinn. She’s recently returned to develop her career here, and I’d appreciate if you could offer her some guidance."

The young woman beside him smiled politely. "Hello, I’m Eliza Quinn. It’s a pleasure to meet you both."

"We’d be happy to help any way we can," I replied automatically, though something about her name tickled at the back of my mind.

Quinn wasn’t exactly an uncommon surname, but still...

Eliza looked at me with unmistakable curiosity behind her practiced smile. "It’s truly an honor to meet the Lazuli in person," she said. "Your reputation extends even overseas."

I returned the pleasantries, commenting on her own impressive international recognition. We exchanged the standard mutual compliments when suddenly I felt the air shift behind me.

Ryan had approached our little group.

Eliza’s eyes lit up immediately. She extended her hand toward him with an eager "I’ve heard so much about you, Mr. Blackwood," only for Ryan to respond with the barest nod of acknowledgment.

Her hand hung awkwardly in the air for a moment before she withdrew it.

Quickly pivoting from the uncomfortable moment, Eliza changed topics. "I understand Blackwood Industries has been struggling with its jewelry division since Sophie Hart’s departure. You’re looking for designers, aren’t you?"

Her voice took on a silky quality as she added, "With my grandfather’s connections, I could help restore your resources in that sector. Perhaps there’s an opportunity for me there?"

I tensed, not expecting this sudden business proposition.

Ryan’s response was immediate and clear. "Actually, Blackwood Industries is divesting from jewelry entirely. "

I nearly choked on my champagne. What? Since when? This was the first I’d heard of it.

Was he planning to give all the jewelry resources to me? I guessed as much.

"You’re abandoning a profitable sector?" she questioned, her professional smile slipping. "That would only benefit your competitors."

"That’s not your concern," Ryan replied flatly.

Something shifted in Eliza’s demeanor then. I recognized that look—a woman who wasn’t used to rejection, particularly from men.

But rather than backing down, she seemed even more determined.

She adjusted her posture, leaning slightly toward Ryan with her champagne flute delicately balanced between manicured fingers.

"I’ve just returned to the city and barely know my way around," she purred. "Perhaps you could show me the local highlights later, Mr. Blackwood? I’d love to learn more about the business environment here."

I felt a strange twist in my stomach watching this display—not jealousy exactly, but something uncomfortable nonetheless.

Ryan’s response was brutal in its directness. "I’d suggest you keep your distance. Your perfume is overwhelming."

Eliza’s smile froze, her eyes turning cold.

Before I could react, Ryan took my arm and guided me away from the group. I was too stunned to resist.

When we reached a quiet corner, his expression finally relaxed. "God, that perfume was suffocating. How did you manage to stand there talking to her for so long?"

"Women wear perfume, Ryan. It’s perfectly normal," I replied, pulling my arm free from his grip.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied me. "You don’t wear perfume anymore. I noticed."

My hand instinctively moved toward my stomach before I caught myself. The pregnancy had made me sensitive to strong scents, so I’d stopped wearing perfume and limited my cosmetics.

"That’s none of your business," I said quickly.

Ryan sighed, running a hand through his perfectly styled hair. "What will it take, Serena? What do I need to do for you to forgive me?"

The directness of his question caught me off guard. For a moment, I just stared at him—this powerful man who had once been my husband, who had ignored me for years, now standing before me looking almost... vulnerable.

"You think it’s that simple?" I finally managed. "That you can just decide one day to care, and I’ll come running back?"

"No," he said quietly. "I know it’s not simple. But I need to know if there’s any chance at all."

I looked away, unable to hold his intense gaze. "Why now, Ryan? Why, after all this time, do you suddenly care?"

"Because I was blind," he said, his voice dropping lower. "Because I didn’t see what was right in front of me until it was gone."

A server passed by with a tray of champagne. I desperately wanted to grab one, but resisted—another pregnancy reminder. Instead, I took a deep breath and met his eyes again.

"It’s too late," I said, hating how my voice wavered slightly. "I’ve moved on. Julian—"

"Are you in love with him?" Ryan interrupted, his jaw tightening.

"Who?"

"Julian."

Of course I wasn’t. But I wasn’t about to let Ryan know that—giving him an inch would only make him push harder.

"That’s not your concern either," I replied, sidestepping his question.

"It is my concern," he insisted, moving closer until I could smell his cologne—that familiar scent that still haunted my dreams sometimes. "Everything about you is my concern, Serena."

"You gave up that right when you signed our divorce papers," I reminded him, trying to keep my voice steady.

"A mistake I regret every day," he admitted. His hand reached up as if to touch my face, then dropped back to his side when I flinched away. "I know I hurt you. I know I failed you. But I’m asking—begging, if that’s what it takes—for a second chance."

I felt a flutter in my chest that had nothing to do with the babies I was carrying. This was the Ryan I had always wanted to see during our marriage—sincere, vulnerable, his walls down. But was it real? Or just another manipulation because he couldn’t stand losing?

"I need to go," I said, suddenly feeling overwhelmed. "Maya is waiting for me."

As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me. "Have dinner with me. Just once. If you still want nothing to do with me afterward, I’ll respect that."

I hesitated, my back to him.

"No, Ryan," I said quietly but firmly, without turning around. "That Chapter’s closed."

Then I walked away.

As I walked away, I could feel his eyes following me across the room.

I spotted Maya across the room and made my way over to her. She looked up, curiosity and concern lighting her eyes.

"What was that all about?" she asked as I reached her. "And what’s this about Blackwood pulling out of the jewelry industry? Wait—he’s getting ready to hand over all the resources to you?"

"I have no idea," I admitted. "That’s the first I’ve heard of it."

"He’s trying everything to get you back, isn’t he?" Maya observed, glancing over my shoulder toward where Ryan still stood.

"It doesn’t matter," I said firmly, though we both knew that was a lie.

And I was—tired of fighting my feelings, tired of wondering what might have been, tired of second-guessing every interaction with Ryan.

Maya suddenly gasped, her eyes widening. "Serena, look over there.Eliza Quinn and Ryan,they looked close...."

She didn’t need to finish her sentence for me to understand what she meant.

Eliza had made her intentions clear from the start—she wanted to align herself with Ryan, to leverage his power. Of course she’d be cozying up to him now.

I turned slightly, catching sight of Eliza and Ryan standing together across the room.

"Looks like we might have a formidable competitor soon," I muttered.

Maya nodded, concern etched across her face. "With Mr. Quinn’s backing, if she partners with Blackwood Industries, she’d be a serious threat to us."

I pressed my lips together, choosing not to respond. But my eyes betrayed me—tracking their every move as they continued talking, laughing even, as if they’d known each other for years.

I rolled my eyes.

Men and their lying mouths—can’t trust a word they say.

Just minutes ago, Ryan had been complaining about her overpowering perfume—and now? Now he looked perfectly at ease, like it had never bothered him at all.

What happened? Did his allergies magically disappear?