CHAPTER 96: CHAPTER 96 A MASSIVE CONTRACT

Ryan’s POV

I woke up feeling strangely satisfied despite the lingering frustration from yesterday’s events. My body was relaxed, but my mind was racing with suspicions about Sophie’s latest scheme.

First thing in the morning, I sent Simon to investigate what happened at the charity event. Something didn’t add up, and I was determined to get to the bottom of it.

Hours later, Simon returned to my office looking defeated. "Mr. Blackwood, I’m afraid most of the evidence has vanished," he reported, frustration evident in his voice.

"What do you mean, vanished?" I leaned forward, my hands clasped tightly on my desk.

"The security cameras at the Ridgemont Estate malfunctioned that evening - conveniently only during the hours of the gala. No footage of the event exists," Simon explained apologetically. "My team has been working non-stop, but we’ve hit dead ends everywhere."

I drummed my fingers against the polished wood, my jaw tightening. This was too neat, too convenient.

"And Sophie? What’s she been up to at headquarters?" I asked, already suspecting the answer.

Simon shrugged slightly. "Surprisingly quiet, sir. She’s been keeping a low profile since the incident."

"Of course she has," I muttered. Playing innocent was her specialty.

I dismissed Simon with a nod, leaning back in my chair. This investigation would have to wait. I had other priorities now - specifically, a pregnant wife who deserved my attention far more than Sophie’s games.

The thought of Serena made something warm unfurl in my chest. After yesterday’s... intensity in the car, things between us felt different. Closer. The walls she’d built were starting to crumble, and I wasn’t about to let this progress slip away.

I picked up my phone and dialed her number, surprising myself with how eager I felt to hear her voice.

"Missing me already?" Serena answered on the third ring, her tone teasing."Is it that obvious?" I chuckled, loosening my tie. "Just checking if my wife and baby are doing alright today."

"We’re perfectly fine. No more drama, thankfully."

"Good. I was thinking about last night..." I lowered my voice to that tone I knew made her shiver.

"Ryan!" she whispered, and I could practically see her blushing. "I’m at work."

"So am I. Doesn’t stop me from remembering how wet you were for me in the back of that car."

She gasped softly. "You’re terrible."

"You weren’t complaining yesterday when you begged me to—"

Her phone beeped with another call. "I have to take this. It’s Maya."

"Fine," I sighed dramatically. "But this conversation isn’t over, Mrs. Blackwood."

"I’m counting on it," she purred before switching calls.

---

Serena’s POV

"Maya, hey," I answered, still flustered from Ryan’s suggestive comments. That man would be the death of me.

"Serena! Amazing news!" Maya’s excited voice blasted through my phone. "Dreamland Studio just landed a massive contract! The client’s offering serious money, but they specifically requested you lead the project."

I perked up immediately. This was exactly what our studio needed—a high-profile client to boost our reputation.

"That’s fantastic! When do we meet them?"

"There’s a catch," Maya hesitated. "It’s a demanding project, and given your... condition, I was thinking maybe we should pass."

I rolled my eyes. "Don’t you dare turn this down. I’m pregnant, not incapacitated. I promise to pace myself."

Maya reluctantly agreed, and we scheduled a meeting for two days later.

When the day arrived, our conference room felt charged with professional tension. I sat across from Mr. Will, the CEO of Diamond Crown Jewelry, and listened carefully to his requirements.

"These specifications are all perfectly manageable," I assured him after his detailed presentation. "We’ll follow your vision exactly."

Mr. Will nodded, satisfied. "Excellent, but I have one non-negotiable condition. My assistant, Holly, must be involved throughout the entire process."

I glanced at the sleek woman beside him, my brow furrowing slightly. Was she meant to be our babysitter?

Maya immediately bristled. "I’m not sure that’s appropriate—"

"Holly has a background in design herself," Mr. Will interrupted. "How can I trust the process without having my representative present?"

I studied Holly’s impassive face. Having a watchdog in our studio wasn’t ideal, but this contract was too important to lose over pride.

"If that’s what will make you comfortable, Mr. Will, we’ll accommodate Holly," I conceded with a professional smile.

He slapped the table enthusiastically. "Excellent! I knew you were reasonable, Ms. Quinn. I look forward to seeing your first-stage designs."

After the meeting, Maya escorted Mr. Will out while Holly followed me to my office like a shadow.

"Since you’ll be part of our team temporarily, feel free to share any relevant input. I’ll consider all constructive suggestions," I said politely, keeping my guard up.

Holly gave me a measuring look. "Where will my workstation be located?"

"We’re a bit cramped at the moment. HR will arrange something by tomorrow. Today you’ll have to make do, I’m afraid."

Her expression darkened slightly. "That’s quite unfortunate. Your office seems spacious enough—perhaps I could work here? It would facilitate our communication."

Was she serious? My office was my sanctuary, especially now during pregnancy when I occasionally needed to rest.

"I’m sorry, Holly, but that won’t work. I handle multiple projects simultaneously, not just Diamond Crown’s. Having you here would be distracting for both of us."

She pressed her lips together, clearly displeased. I could already tell she was going to be trouble, but I’d be damned if I let anyone compromise Dreamland’s biggest opportunity yet.

A knock at the door interrupted the tension. The HR manager appeared, and I waved my hand dismissively, signaling for them to escort Holly out and get her settled elsewhere.

Once they left, my phone buzzed with a text from Ryan: "Dinner tonight? I promise to behave... until dessert."

I smiled despite myself. At least I had something to look forward to after dealing with Holly.

I typed back: "Guess."