CHAPTER 28: CHAPTER 28 UNEXPECTED NEGOTIATIONS

Ryan’s POV

I woke up to my phone buzzing non-stop. Overnight, Ivy had become the internet’s favorite punching bag.

Beyond the design plagiarism, people were digging up everything - her fake credentials, tax evasion rumors, even allegations about buying her way into design competitions.

"Shit," I muttered, scrolling through the chaos. This was spreading to Blackwood’s reputation faster than I’d anticipated.

Simon appeared at my office door by 8 AM, looking like he hadn’t slept. "Sir, we need to activate crisis management. The Hart Jewelry situation is affecting our stock prices."

I nodded grimly, "Get the PR team in here. Now."

The emergency meeting was tense.

Our investigation confirmed what I’d suspected but refused to believe - Ivy had genuinely committed all these ethical violations. She wasn’t just spoiled; she was rotten to the core.

"These documents confirm she falsified her design portfolio for the partnership application," my head of legal said, sliding over a folder.

"And there’s evidence suggesting she attempted to bribe several industry critics."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a migraine building. For Sophie’s sake, I’d turned a blind eye to Ivy’s smaller transgressions. Now that decision was threatening everything I’d built.

"Sir," Simon said quietly, "Ms. Hart is waiting outside. She’s been calling non-stop since dawn."

"Fine. Send her in."

Ivy rushed in looking nothing like the polished woman from the launch.

Her eyes were puffy, makeup hastily applied, clothes wrinkled. She collapsed dramatically into the chair across from me.

"Ryan, you have to help me!" She sobbed, hands trembling. "My career is being destroyed! Someone’s orchestrating this whole thing!"

I stared at her coldly. "Is any of it untrue?"

She faltered, her crying act momentarily disrupted. "I... that’s not the point! People are digging up ancient history. It’s that bitch Serena, I know it is!"

"Watch your language," I snapped. "And take some responsibility. These aren’t rumors, Ivy. These are documented facts."

Ivy quickly switched tactics, her voice softening. "Please, Sophie would be devastated if she knew her little sister’s career was ruined. You know how much she loved me."

The mention of Sophie hit its mark. I exhaled slowly, anger subsiding.

"Fine," I said finally. "For Sophie’s memory, I’ll help you this once. But this is the last time."

Relief washed over her face as she wiped away tears. "Thank you, Ryan. I knew you wouldn’t abandon me."

"Don’t thank me yet. There will be conditions," I gestured toward the door. "Now go home and wait for instructions. And avoid the press."

As soon as she left, practically skipping out despite the reporters waiting to ambush her outside, I felt a weight in my stomach.

Something about her reaction didn’t sit right with me. The way she’d invoked Sophie’s name felt... calculated.

My security team escorted her through the media gauntlet to her car. Even from my office window, I could see the frenzy of cameras and shouted questions about plagiarism and tax fraud.

Ivy kept her head down, suddenly playing the victim again, shepherded by my men through what looked like an excruciating walk of shame.

Once she was gone, I sat at my desk, contemplating my next move. There was only one real option.

I had to talk to Serena.

I dialed her number from memory, only to hear an automated message: "The number you have dialed is no longer in service."

Of course. She’d changed her number after our divorce. She’d erased me from her life just as thoroughly as I’d once erased her from mine.

The realization stung more than it should have.

"Simon," I called again. "Contact Dreamland Studio. Set up a meeting with Serena... with Ms. Quinn. Tonight."

By eight o’clock, Hours later, I sat waiting in a private dining room at Argent, one of the city’s most exclusive restaurants. I’d arrived early, rehearsing what I’d say, how I’d approach this. Business-like. Professional. Detached.

All my preparation evaporated the moment she walked in.

Serena entered precisely at eight, wearing a crisp white suit that accentuated her slender frame. Her hair was swept up in an elegant knot, exposing the graceful line of her neck. No elaborate makeup, no flashy accessories—just pure, undiluted confidence.

I found myself standing, staring like an idiot.

This wasn’t the woman I’d been married to—the quiet, accommodating wife who’d decorated our house and organized charity events.

This was someone entirely different.

Someone commanding.

Powerful.Breathtaking.

"Mr. Blackwood," she said coolly. "It’s been a while."

Her voice snapped me back to reality. "I wasn’t sure you’d come."

"Curiosity got the better of me." She settled into the chair across from me, a slight smirk playing on her lips. "Surprised it’s me? Were you expecting someone else?"

I regained my composure. "No, I knew it was you behind all this. And... congratulations. The launch was impressive—clearly a success."

Her brows lifted ever so slightly. "So you called me here to celebrate my victory? How strange." The faint curl of her lips didn’t reach her eyes.

"you suddenly care about me more than you ever did when we were married."

Her words hit harder than I expected.

The jab wasn’t just sharp—it pierced deeper than I cared to admit, twisting into a faint knot that settled uneasily in my chest.

I leaned back, keeping my tone even. "No. I’m here because of Ivy’s situation—I want to discuss how we resolve it."

Serena laughed, the sound both musical and sharp. "You’re still protecting your little girlfriend? Willing to grovel to me on her behalf? How touching."

"I’m here for Blackwood’s reputation," I said firmly, though even I could hear how hollow that sounded.

"Of course you are." She swirled the wine in her glass, eyes never leaving mine. "Well then, Mr. CEO, what’s your proposal?"

Her red lips were more intoxicating than the wine between us. I caught myself staring again, noticing how different she was from Sophie. They shared similar features, yes, but Serena radiated a fierce intelligence and self-possession that Sophie had never possessed.

Had I really never noticed before?

Serena rapped her knuckles against the table, breaking my trance. "Mr. Blackwood, it’s considered poor form to zone out during negotiations. It’s getting late—I’d like to finish this conversation so I can go home for dinner."

I cleared my throat, embarrassed to be caught daydreaming like a schoolboy. "Serena,is it really necessary for things to get to this point?"