CHAPTER 284: CHAPTER 284 UNSPOKEN STORM

Ryan’s POV

The evening sunlight filtered through the windows of my corner office as I signed the last document on my desk. Leaning back in my leather chair, I couldn’t help the satisfaction spreading through me. Since Maya’s departure for London, Serena had taken over the New York headquarters with remarkable efficiency. Everything was running smoother than I’d dared hope.

The London Fashion Week triumph had boosted Dreamland Studio’s international profile substantially, and Blackwood Group’s stock prices were soaring in response. This morning’s Wall Street Journal had featured us prominently—"Power Couple Revolutionizing Fashion and Finance"—with a photo of Serena and me at last month’s charity gala. The publicity couldn’t have been better timed.

I’d authorized substantial bonuses for all employees earlier today. Good news should be shared, after all. Now, I was looking forward to getting home to Serena and little Vivian.

Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang. Ethan Quinn. My brother-in-law rarely called during business hours.

"Ryan," Ethan’s voice was tight, controlled, but I caught the underlying tension immediately. "Quinn Enterprises has a situation."

My body tensed instinctively. "What’s happening?"

"Some ancient history has been deliberately resurfaced," he explained. "Financial irregularities from before Serena or I were involved in the company. Someone’s orchestrating this to damage our reputation."

I gripped the phone tighter. "How bad?"

"Potentially devastating. I’m handling it, but..." he paused. "That’s not why I called. I need you to keep this from Serena."

Of course. Serena had only recently given birth. The last thing she needed was family crisis.

"She just had Vivian," Ethan continued. "She’s finally happy and settled after everything she’s been through. I won’t have this stress affecting her or the baby."

"I’ll make sure she doesn’t find out," I promised gravely. "Do you need Blackwood resources? Legal team? PR crisis management?"

"Not yet. I have a plan in motion," Ethan replied. "But I’ll reach out if things escalate."

"Whatever you need," I said firmly. "The Blackwood name stands with Quinn."

After hanging up, I sat motionless, mind racing. If this scandal broke publicly, Serena would inevitably discover it. I needed to monitor the situation closely and keep her distracted until Ethan resolved the issue.

Decision made, I grabbed my jacket and headed out. "Cancel my remaining appointments," I instructed my assistant. "Family matter."

Thirty minutes later, I was waiting in Serena’s office at Dreamland Studio.

Through the glass walls, I could see her in the conference room, confidently leading a meeting with her design team. My chest tightened watching her—this brilliant, beautiful woman who had somehow become mine again after I’d nearly lost her forever.

When the meeting finally dispersed, Serena walked into her office, a stack of design portfolios in her arms. Her face brightened with surprise when she saw me.

"Ryan? What are you doing here?" Her smile was radiant, sending warmth through me despite my concerns.

Rising from the couch, I crossed to her, taking the heavy portfolios and setting them aside before placing a light kiss on her lips.

"Wrapped up early today," I replied casually. "Thought I’d surprise my wife and take her home."

Her eyes sparkled with pleasure. "That’s sweet, but I need to finish reviewing these designs first." She gestured toward the portfolios I’d just set down. "Give me about forty minutes?"

"Take your time," I assured her, settling back onto the couch. "I’ll just answer some emails while I wait."

While Serena worked, I pretended to be absorbed in my phone, occasionally glancing up to watch her. Her brow furrowed in concentration as she made notes on design sketches, occasionally tucking a strand of hair behind her ear—a gesture I found irrationally endearing.

Outside, darkness gradually fell over Manhattan, the city transforming into a glittering panorama of lights. Finally, Serena closed the last portfolio with a satisfied sigh.

"All done," she announced, stretching her arms above her head. "Let’s go home to our daughter."

As she gathered her belongings, she suddenly paused. "Oh, I should call Maya to check on the London situation. I haven’t had a chance to talk with her since yesterday."

My pulse quickened. Maya was with Ethan in London—she’d likely know about the crisis.

"Actually," Serena reconsidered, reaching for her phone, "I’ll call Ethan instead. They’re probably together anyway."

Moving swiftly, I took the phone from her hand before she could dial. "It’s nearly midnight in London," I pointed out smoothly. "They’re either sleeping or... otherwise occupied."

Serena’s eyebrows rose slightly at my intervention, but then she nodded. "You’re right. I wasn’t thinking about the time difference."

"Then I’ll call Eleanor," she suggested. "I want to know if he’s brought Maya home for dinner."

"Serena," I said, unable to completely mask my frustration, "why are you suddenly so invested in your brother’s love life?"

The moment the words left my mouth, I realized my mistake. Serena’s relationship with her recently rediscovered brother was still new and precious to her. Of course she’d be interested in his happiness.

"I just meant," I backtracked smoothly, "that young love needs space to grow. Let them figure things out without sister hovering."

Serena’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied my face. After years together, she could read me better than anyone.

"Ryan," she said slowly, "are you hiding something from me?"

I maintained my neutral expression while internally cursing Ethan’s timing. "What would I possibly be hiding?"

Her gaze didn’t waver. "That’s what I’m trying to figure out. You’ve been acting strangely since you arrived, and now you’re practically snatching my phone away when I mention calling London."

"You’re imagining things," I insisted, taking her hand in mine. "I just wanted an uninterrupted evening with my beautiful wife. Is that a crime?"

I pulled her closer, brushing my lips against her temple. "The nanny has Vivian for another three hours. I thought we might have dinner at that new Italian place you’ve been wanting to try."

Her suspicion visibly wavered, though not entirely convinced. "Really? That’s all?"

"What else would it be?" I countered, keeping my tone light. "Now grab your coat before I change my mind and take you straight home instead."

Her smile returned gradually as she reached for her coat. "Fine, but if I find out you’re keeping secrets, Ryan Blackwood, there will be consequences."

I smiled back, ignoring the twist of guilt in my gut. This secret wasn’t mine to share, and protecting her was worth the temporary deception. Ethan would resolve the issue quickly, and Serena would never need to know.

"No secrets between us," I promised, the half-truth bitter on my tongue as I guided her toward the elevator with my hand at the small of her back. "Just dinner, wine, and getting home in time to relieve the nanny."

As we descended to the lobby, Serena leaned against me, her warmth and trust making my protective instincts surge. I’d shield her from this storm, whatever it took. She’d been through enough already.

The irony wasn’t lost on me—that I was once again keeping information from her, albeit with different intentions than before. But this time, my secrecy came from love, not indifference.