CHAPTER 123: CHAPTER 123 BACK TO BLACKWOOD MANSION

Serena’s POV

I choked back a gasp as that entertainment reporter’s question hung in the air.

In such a professional setting, asking about personal relationships was clearly meant to sabotage the event.

Lucian’s face darkened immediately.

"Today is the launch event for the collaboration between Celestial Gems and Dreamland Jewelry," he stated coldly. "If anyone wishes to speculate on baseless gossip, I suggest you leave now."

The moment he finished speaking, security personnel materialized from the edges of the room and escorted the intrusive reporter out.

Thankfully, the guy was smart enough not to make a scene, or this would’ve definitely become juicy fodder for tomorrow’s gossip columns.

Even so, the atmosphere had shifted. I hadn’t expected trouble from my competitors, yet somehow this random entertainment reporter had the audacity to derail our event.

Thank god Lucian handled it swiftly before things got truly uncomfortable.

"Serena, it’s over. Don’t worry," Lucian murmured, leaning slightly toward me.

I nodded briefly, subtly stepping back to maintain a professional distance between us. The last thing we needed was to fuel more speculation.

The remainder of the event proceeded smoothly without further disruptions.

Online, our launch generated significant buzz, attracting numerous new followers to Dreamland’s social media accounts.

Some people, after seeing Lucian in person, became instant fans. The trending topic #CelestialGemsCEOIsGorgeous actually stayed on the hot list for several days.

I didn’t waste my time on such ridiculous trends, focusing instead on the feedback about our collaboration—which was overwhelmingly positive. Only then did I finally breathe easy.

Maya shared her findings about Lucian’s activities in Beijing, which seemed completely ordinary.

"Serena, I honestly don’t see anything suspicious. Are you sure you aren’t overthinking this?" Maya lounged in my office chair, scrolling through her tablet.

After seeing how Lucian handled the situation at the launch event, Maya’s opinion of him had improved dramatically. The normalcy of his schedule made her believe my suspicions were unfounded.

"I think Ryan’s jealousy is clouding your judgment," she said bluntly. "That man would prefer if no male species existed within fifty feet of you."

Her straightforward assessment made my doubts start to fade.

"You really think Lucian has no ulterior motives?" I asked, chewing my bottom lip.

Maya rolled her eyes. "If he had bad intentions, wouldn’t he have made a move by now? Your collaboration is halfway complete. That’s some serious patience if he’s plotting something."

Her logic was simple but compelling, as always.

I nodded slowly. "You’re right."

"Maybe he genuinely just sees you as a friend?" Maya suggested.

"I suppose that’s possible."

"Of course it is! You’re both in the same industry, and you’re incredibly talented. He probably considers you a kindred spirit or something." She gave me a knowing look. "Honestly, Serena, I think pregnancy is making you paranoid. It’s understandable."

"Fine, I’ll drop it for now," I conceded, feeling a pang of guilt for suspecting Lucian based solely on Ryan’s warnings.

Maya snatched the tablet from my hands. "The collaboration is almost finished anyway. You’ve been working yourself to death lately—go home and rest."

"But I still need to—"

"No buts," Maya cut me off with a sigh. "Have you forgotten you’re pregnant? Why are you pushing yourself so hard?"

I opened my mouth to protest, but she was already calling my driver.

"Don’t worry, I’ve got everything under control here. The studio won’t collapse without you for a few days."

Before I knew it, I was in the car heading home. During the ride, my phone rang—Ryan’s name flashing on the screen.

His voice sounded tense when I answered. "Where are you?"

"Heading home. Is something wrong?"

"Don’t go home," he said urgently. "I’m sending someone to get you."

I straightened in my seat, suddenly alert. "What’s happening, Ryan?"

"Derek got away. I’m worried he might come after you. You’re not safe right now."

My heart hammered against my ribs. Derek—the man who’d kidnapped me, who’d threatened my life—was free?

"Tell your driver to pull over. I’ll come get you myself."

My hands trembled slightly as I instructed the driver to stop and texted Ryan my location.

Fifteen minutes later, Ryan’s sleek black car pulled up beside us. I quickly transferred to his vehicle, anxiety clawing at my throat.

"How did this happen?" I demanded as soon as he pulled away from the curb.

"He was being held in the basement of a villa outside the city with guards watching him," Ryan explained, his knuckles white against the steering wheel. "I’ve been busy with work and hadn’t checked in recently. Only got the news last night."

"Did he escape on his own?"

Ryan shook his head grimly. "Someone must have helped him. The guards were skilled—no way he could have gotten past them alone."

His expression darkened further. "I’ve already got people investigating. In the meantime, you’ll stay at the Blackwood mansion."

For once, I didn’t argue about staying at his place. This was about my safety—and our baby’s. With work momentarily under control, I could hunker down at the mansion until this threat was neutralized.

"Alright," I agreed quietly, one hand instinctively moving to protect my stomach. The situation was too serious for pride or stubbornness.