CHAPTER 214: CHAPTER 214 HIDDEN MOTIVES

Ryan’s POV

I stared out the hospital window as I waited for the elevator to arrive. The nurse had just checked Serena’s vitals and given us the all-clear—both she and our baby were stable. My mind kept replaying last night’s events, how close I’d come to losing them both. The rage I’d felt when finding her bound in that studio still simmered beneath my skin.

The door to Serena’s room suddenly opened, drawing her attention. I watched through the security camera feed on my phone as a well-dressed man entered her room.

"Mr. Quinn? What are you doing here?" Serena’s voice carried a note of surprise.

It was Ethan Quinn, CEO of LUXE, the British jewelry empire. What the hell was he doing here?

I signaled Simon to hold the elevator and strode back toward Serena’s room, keeping out of sight. I needed to hear this conversation.

"I heard Maya rushing back last night," Quinn was saying as he sat beside her bed. "When I learned you were hospitalized, I decided to come check on you myself."

"That’s very considerate of you, Mr. Quinn, but I’m just feeling a bit unwell. Nothing serious." Her voice was polite but distant.

Quinn nodded, sighing deeply. "Then I’ll let you rest. I won’t disturb you further."

He stood reluctantly, hesitating before leaving. "Is there anything else, Mr. Quinn?" Serena asked.

"Perhaps we can talk... when you’re feeling better," he said cryptically before finally departing.

I waited until he was gone before entering her room, my mind racing with questions. Why was the CEO of LUXE personally checking on my ex-wife?

"You’re awake. Has the doctor examined you?" I asked, pushing my suspicions aside for the moment.

Serena’s face softened."I’m fine, and the baby’s fine too. Don’t worry."

"Ethan Quinn was just here. Did you see him?" she asked.

My jaw tightened involuntarily. "No. He’s in New York?"

"Yes, he said he heard about what happened—well, not exactly what happened, but that I was hospitalized. We only spoke briefly before he left."

She frowned, looking troubled. "It feels strange. Why would he be so concerned about me? Our relationship isn’t that close. I don’t feel any ill intent from him, but..."

"What is it?" I asked, instantly alert.

"It’s just... odd. No one shows this kind of concern without reason. Don’t you think?"

My mind flashed back to my last conversation with Quinn. He had mentioned Serena resembled his mother. Could there be more to this? Something connected to Serena’s background?

"Ryan? Did you think of something?" she pressed when I remained silent.

I decided against sharing my half-formed suspicions. No point giving her false hope or unnecessary concerns.

"You might be overthinking it," I said gently, tucking the blanket around her. "Rest now. I’ll speak with Quinn when I get the chance."

She nodded trustingly.

I was about to sit with her longer when Simon burst into the room, looking tense. "Mr. Blackwood, Kane has called an emergency board meeting. The situation looks problematic."

I turned, irritation flooding through me. "What the hell is he playing at?"

"He’s using your recent absences against you, sir. Trying to find fault."

"You should go," Serena urged, pushing my arm lightly. "I’m fine now, really. Don’t let Kane gain the upper hand—he’s already been gathering momentum."

I hesitated, torn between staying with her and dealing with this threat to my position. Finally, I decided to return to Blackwood Enterprises. Kane had been a thorn in my side for too long.

Author’s POV

At Blackwood Enterprises, the boardroom was filled with shareholders when Ryan arrived. Kane had brazenly taken his chair at the head of the table, a smug smile playing on his lips as he spotted Ryan.

"Ah, nephew. You’re late."

Ryan’s ice-cold gaze swept the room before fixing on Kane. With deliberate steps, he approached his uncle.

"Kane, positions you haven’t earned will never stay yours."

Without warning, Ryan kicked Kane’s wheelchair, nearly toppling it before Kane’s assistant steadied it. The boardroom fell silent as Ryan pulled up another chair and took his rightful place.

Kane’s smug smile vanished, replaced by naked rage. "You dare lay hands on me during a board meeting!"

"When someone disrespects protocol, they need to be taught," Ryan replied coldly, scanning the faces around the table. "Kane, you alone don’t represent this board. Stop making such foolish power plays."

As the confrontation escalated, Ryan remained calculating and calm, even when Kane played his trump card - the alliance with the Vergara family that had strengthened his position.

"You neglect company affairs while chasing women and romance!" Kane spat. "You’re unfit to remain CEO!"

When Kane demanded a vote to remove him as CEO, Ryan agreed with unexpected calm. "Fine. But before we vote, I have something to say."

On cue, Simon distributed documents to each board member - a freshly signed contract with Lucian West of Celestial Gems that contained remarkably favorable terms for Blackwood Enterprises.

"What you’re looking at," Simon explained to the stunned board, "is the newest joint venture between Blackwood Enterprises and Celestial Gems, just finalized by Mr. Blackwood. As you can see, claims that our CEO neglects company affairs are completely unfounded."

Ryan watched with satisfaction as Kane’s face grew increasingly pale while reviewing the contract. His uncle’s plans were crumbling before his eyes.

After the meeting, Ryan systematically identified Kane’s people within the company and began neutralizing their influence, moving them to positions where they could do no damage.

Back in his office later that afternoon, a knock interrupted his strategic planning.

"Mr. Blackwood," Simon announced, "Mr. Quinn from LUXE Jewelers is here to see you."

Ryan looked up, momentarily surprised before remembering his intention to learn more about this man’s interest in Serena. "Send him in."

He set aside his work, determined to uncover exactly what connection this man had to his ex-wife.

Ethan Quinn entered, and they exchanged polite greetings before sitting down.

"What brings you here, Mr. Quinn?" Ryan asked directly.

Quinn smiled slightly. "I heard Blackwood Enterprises was facing some internal challenges. I wanted to offer assistance, but I see you’ve already resolved the situation."

Ryan nodded. Kane’s recent moves had created quite a stir in business circles, so it wasn’t surprising Quinn had heard about it.

"Thank you for your concern."

Quinn waved dismissively. "I couldn’t have helped much anyway. Actually, I came to New York because I heard about Serena’s injury. What exactly happened?"

Seeing Quinn’s curious expression, Ryan decided on a direct approach.

"Mr. Quinn, you and Serena have only collaborated a few times professionally. Your relationship hardly seems close enough to warrant this level of concern."

Ryan’s scrutinizing gaze made Quinn visibly uncomfortable.

"I was just asking, Mr. Blackwood."

The explanation sounded weak, and Ryan didn’t believe it for a second.

"Mr. Quinn, let’s be straightforward. Did you know Serena before? Or does she have some connection to your family that I’m unaware of?"

Quinn met Ryan’s searching eyes. His expression tensed, and after a long moment, he sighed.

"You already know, Mr. Blackwood?"