CHAPTER 267: CHAPTER 267 JEALOUSY SPARKS

Serena’s POV

I walked back inside after clearing my head to find both men looking properly chastised. The testosterone levels had thankfully dropped to bearable levels, and we somehow managed to finish dinner with forced politeness. Still, I couldn’t miss Ryan’s tightly controlled expression throughout the rest of the meal.

The moment we got into the car, his face turned to stone. The jealousy was practically radiating off him in waves.

My dear husband was eaten up with jealousy. But Cedric’s deliberate mention of Sophie had stung me too, so I let out a cold huff.

That sound made Ryan glance over, his expression softening into something more uncertain.

"Are you angry?" he asked carefully.

I responded with two more pointed huffs, turning my body away from him. If he could be jealous, so could I. Fight fire with fire, right?

That finally seemed to rattle him. His hand reached out, gently but firmly turning me by the shoulder to face him.

"Serena," he said, his voice low, "didn’t we agree not to bring up the past anymore?"

"Cedric was obviously trying to provoke you," he continued, frowning deeply. "He was deliberately trying to come between us. How could you fall for it?"

"Yes, yes, yes, it was all his evil manipulation," I said, rolling my eyes. "But everything he mentioned was true, wasn’t it?"

"Are you feeling guilty about something, Ryan?" I challenged.

"What would I have to feel guilty about?" His eyes narrowed. "Why are you defending Cedric so much?"

The tension between us crackled dangerously, like electricity before a storm.

I raised an eyebrow at him, then suddenly couldn’t help bursting into laughter.

"When did I defend Cedric? He’s just a friend, nothing more. You’re always so quick to get jealous!"

Ryan’s expression relaxed slightly, though his tone remained petulant. "You two seemed to be having such a wonderful time reminiscing."

"So many shared memories," he added pointedly.

I couldn’t hold back my amusement, reaching over to pinch the soft flesh at his waist.

"He’s a guest! Why are you being like this?" I teased. "When did you become so petty?"

Ryan winced slightly but didn’t pull away, allowing me to continue my affectionate assault.

"Let me take you home, Serena," he said finally.

I shook my head. "I need to back to the studio. "

"Maya’s already started preparations for the London branch," I added. "I need to help her."

Ryan’s expression darkened instantly. "You’re going to London? So soon? Can’t the work wait a while longer?"

I could hear the concern beneath his words and softened my tone.

"Ryan, I promise I’ll take care of myself," I reassured him. "The London Fashion Week is coming up - it’s the perfect opportunity, and I don’t want to miss it."

He let out a resigned sigh, his features gradually relaxing.

"Alright, but remember your promise. Don’t overwork yourself."

"I won’t," I nodded. "If you don’t trust me, you can always call my sisters to check up on me. They’ll keep me in line."

The thought clearly brought him some comfort - London was my family’s territory, and the Quinn family would never let me work myself to exhaustion.

Ryan visibly relaxed. "Fine. Once I’ve handled things at the company, I’ll fly over to see you."

"But don’t expect advance notice," he added with a hint of mischief.

I smiled, biting my lip. "Feel free to check up on me anytime!"

"Then let me take you to the studio now. You can discuss everything with Maya."

"Perfect."

Ryan gave instructions to the driver, who promptly changed direction toward Dreamland Studio. He waited until I was safely inside before his car pulled away.

Maya’s eyes widened when she saw me walk in. "Well, well! Look who’s already back to the grind."

"I was going stir-crazy," I admitted, collapsing into my favorite chair. "And besides, we have London to prepare for."

"Mmm-hmm," Maya hummed knowingly, passing me a cup of tea. "And I assume that’s why you’re here, not because you needed an escape from some testosterone-fueled showdown I heard about? God, I wish I’d been there to see Ryan Blackwood marking his territory!"

"It wasn’t funny!" I protested, though I couldn’t keep my lips from twitching. "Cedric deliberately provoked him, and Ryan nearly crushed my hand under the table."

Maya threw her head back laughing. "The mighty Ryan Blackwood, jealous over a blast from your past! Please tell me there was chest-pounding involved."

"Metaphorically, yes. At one point I thought they might start comparing their watches and bank accounts."

"Men," Maya sighed dramatically. "Speaking of which, how’s your brother doing? Still pretending he doesn’t get flustered every time I call him?"

I smirked. "Ethan asked about you three times during our last call, all very ’casual’ inquiries, of course. When are you two going to stop dancing around each other?"

"When he admits he can’t live without me," Maya replied airily, though I caught the faint blush on her cheeks."Can we please focus on work?"

I decided to show mercy. "Actually, that’s why I’m here. I’ve decided to go to London myself to oversee the expansion."

Maya’s expression shifted to surprise. "Really? Are you sure you’re ready? It’s only been a few weeks since—"

"I’m fine," I insisted. "Besides, London Fashion Week is coming up. It’s the perfect opportunity to make our presence known in the European market."

Maya’s eyes lit up with excitement despite her concern. "We could showcase the Celestial collection! The timing would be perfect."

"Exactly what I was thinking." I nodded eagerly. "The European fashion editors would go crazy for it."

We spent the next hour brainstorming, energy building as we outlined our vision for Dreamland’s London debut. Maya pulled up the preliminary designs for our London boutique while I sketched modifications to adapt our signature pieces for the European market.

"This could be huge for us," Maya said, her eyes shining. "If we nail London Fashion Week, Paris and Milan will be next."

"We’re not just going to nail it," I replied, feeling that familiar fire of ambition burning in my chest. "We’re going to redefine it. Dreamland isn’t just expanding to London—we’re going to make London remember why British design innovation used to rule the world."

Maya grinned, her excitement matching mine. "The Quinn legacy combined with Dreamland’s fresh perspective? They won’t know what hit them."

"That’s exactly what I’m counting on." I smiled, feeling more alive than I had in weeks. "The European fashion world thinks they know what to expect from an American design house. We’re going to prove them gloriously wrong."

"To conquering London," Maya lifted her coffee mug in a toast.

I clinked my mug against hers. "And then the world."