CHAPTER 229: CHAPTER 229 VERBAL WARFARE IN HEELS

Serena’s POV

I’d been feeling pretty pleased with myself over my matchmaking scheme, but the moment I spotted Tiffany pushing Kane’s wheelchair in my direction, my mood soured instantly.

"Miss Quinn, so dedicated to networking even with that baby bump," Tiffany said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "Though I wonder—are you here tonight as Dreamland Studio’s boss or as Ryan’s woman?"

She paused, her smirk growing more venomous. "Oh, I almost forgot. You’re not actually Mrs. Blackwood, are you? Married once, then thrown out like trash. I’m guessing it’s only because of that baby in your belly that you’ve managed to worm your way back into Ryan’s life?"

I stared at her coldly. This was only our second meeting, yet the hostility between us felt ancient and instinctive. No surprise there—Kane and Ryan were sworn enemies, after all.

"Miss Vergara, your information is embarrassingly outdated," I replied smoothly, watching her barrage of insults hit with all the impact of a feather.

"Whatever my identity tonight, I have every right to be here. Though I must say, it’s disappointing not to see other Vergara family members in attendance."

I tilted my head innocently. "By the way, have you two set a date for your engagement party yet?"

Tiffany’s eyes narrowed dangerously. I’d hit a nerve. Kane’s disability had always been a sensitive subject for her—she couldn’t stand even whispered gossip about it, and here I was, bringing it into the open.

I flashed my brightest smile, knowing it would cut deeper than any frown. "You simply must let Ryan and me know when you do. You two are so perfectly matched—you really should stay together forever."

My blessing sounded like a curse to her ears, exactly as I’d intended.

"Don’t get too cocky, Serena," she hissed.

I laughed lightly. "You misunderstand, Miss Vergara. This is a heartfelt wish! After all, you and his uncle share the same passion for gambling, don’t you? How could you not be compatible?"

I deliberately emphasized "gambling," my eyes dancing with meaning. Both their faces darkened immediately.

Lucian, spotting the tense scene from across the room, hurried over. "Serena, is everything alright?"

I looked up at him with a small smile. "Nothing important. Just chatting with my future aunt-in-law."

"We were just discussing their engagement party. They haven’t set a date yet—I hope there’s no trouble in paradise?" I added sweetly.

Lucian, catching on immediately, jumped in. "I doubt it. Mr. Kane clearly knew tonight’s event would be lively and specifically brought his fiancée along."

Tiffany gritted her teeth, glaring at both of us. "You two are quite the double act. Anyone watching might think you’re the couple."

"Before returning to the country, I heard rumors about your frequent ’collaborations’ and the gossip surrounding them. I thought it was just tabloid nonsense, but now I see—where there’s smoke, there’s fire."

She expected us to squirm, but Lucian and I simply exchanged amused glances.

"Miss Vergara, have you ever actually had friends?" I asked innocently. "Otherwise, how could you believe such ridiculous gossip?"

"People with dirty minds see dirt everywhere. Don’t you think?"

Tiffany’s expression turned stormy, but with Lucian standing protectively nearby, she didn’t dare make a move.

"Serena, you should be careful when you go out," she threatened, her voice dropping to something sinister. "You never know when that baby in your belly might just... mysteriously disappear."

My smile vanished instantly. I could tolerate many things, but threats against my child crossed every line.

"If you dare touch my child, I’ll make sure you die painfully," Ryan’s voice cut through the tension as he appeared behind me.

Maya rushed to my side, deliberately shoving Tiffany as she passed. "Good dogs don’t block the way!"

"Who do you think you are to speak to me like that?" Tiffany snarled.

I stood up, gently pulling my friend back. "Tiffany, are you really determined to cause a scene tonight?"

Our commotion had drawn attention; numerous guests were now watching. Tiffany and Kane found themselves surrounded, completely isolated.

"Kane," Lucian said, loud enough for nearby guests to hear, "I understand your frustration. Your deal with the White family just failed, but Celestial Gems isn’t like you. Our collaboration with Mr. White will be extremely successful."

His statement triggered an immediate wave of whispers around us.

"Did they come here just to cause trouble? How classless."

"No wonder Mr. White only made a brief appearance before leaving—he’s avoiding this plague."

"Interesting that Mr. Blackwood isn’t defending his uncle tonight."

"Their relationship was never good—why would he?"

"Poor Miss Vergara, having to marry someone who’s..."

The word "crippled" remained unspoken, even among the gossipers. Kane wasn’t someone people dared to insult openly.

Tiffany scanned the crowd with icy contempt, clearly regretting her decision to accompany Kane tonight.

Kane cleared his throat and forced a smile. "Mr. West is joking. Project failures happen for many reasons. I’m genuinely here to congratulate Celestial Gems on their partnership with the White family."

"Though I should warn Mr. West—Blackwood Group’s collaboration with the White family wasn’t smooth. Celestial Gems might not necessarily succeed either."

Author’s POV

"I’ve said enough. Tiffany and I have plans to visit home, so we’ll be leaving now." Kane smoothly wrapped things up, turning the awkward confrontation into a polite exit.

He looked at Tiffany. "Let’s go."

Tiffany swallowed her anger and wheeled Kane away, the perfect picture of defeat. Only once they were safely in their car did she explode.

"Lucian teamed up with Ryan and Serena to humiliate us, and you’re just going to take it? Today was mortifying! If my father and brothers found out about this..."

She bit her lip, unable to even finish the thought.

Kane shot her an irritated look. "Enough. Stop talking."

"What about the matter you asked me to discuss with my father? Has he considered it?"

Tiffany scoffed. "My father never makes a move without seeing something in it for him. He won’t agree unless you offer something substantial."

Their "matter" was Kane’s request for Mr. Vergara to help him secure new projects in New York – essentially looking for powerful connections to leverage.

Kane’s face darkened at her response. He immediately instructed the driver to head to the Vergara estate.

"What are you doing?" Tiffany raised an eyebrow. "It’s late. Are you planning to talk to my father now?"

"Your words clearly have no effect. Should I just sit back and wait for disaster?"

Tiffany frowned, skeptical. Kane had been struggling under Celestial Gems’ pressure lately. She couldn’t imagine what strategy he might use to convince her father.

The car moved silently through the night. Tiffany hadn’t been drinking, but Serena’s arrogance had given her a throbbing headache. She rubbed her temples, frustration building with every passing minute.

"Here."

A small pill bottle appeared in front of her. She looked up, confused.

"What’s this?"

"Don’t you get headaches? My assistant prepared this specially. It’s extremely effective for pain."

"Take one. You’ll feel better."

In the dim light of the car, Kane’s expression was impossible to read, his face obscured by shadows.