CHAPTER 293: CHAPTER 293 THE ACCIDENTS

Serena’s POV

I let the satisfaction of Elena Parker’s wedding disaster linger a bit longer as I settled into the familiar rhythm of Quinn family life. Things had improved considerably since that night. Ethan was suddenly buried in meetings with potential partners, while I worked alongside Zara to cement our collaboration with LUXE Jewelry. Slowly but surely, Quinn Enterprises was regaining its footing in London’s competitive business landscape.

Father’s condition was improving too, not dramatically, but steadily. The doctors seemed more optimistic with each passing day. Maybe we were finally turning a corner.

Then everything shattered.

The call came at 2 AM. Ethan’s car had veered off the road after leaving a business dinner. The police called it an accident, but I knew better. The timing was too perfect, the circumstances too convenient.

I spent three days barely leaving the hospital, watching Ethan’s unmoving form, willing him to open his eyes. He didn’t. The doctors couldn’t tell us when he would wake up.

"Serena," Zoe’s voice pulled me from my thoughts as I stared out the window of our family home. I turned to find her watching me with an uncharacteristically solemn expression. She glanced briefly at Ryan, who stood nearby checking messages on his phone.

"I need to speak with you," she continued. "Alone."

My heart immediately clenched with dread. "Is it about Ethan? Or Father? Has something happened?"

"Or is it the company..." I trailed off, already imagining worst-case scenarios.

"Serena, please sit down first," Zoe said firmly. "Mr. Blackwood, would you mind giving us a moment?"

Ryan hesitated, his eyes meeting mine briefly before he nodded and walked out of the room. That hesitation, that protective instinct - it warmed me even through my anxiety.

I sank into the nearest chair, my knees suddenly weak. "Whatever it is, Zoe, just say it."

Zoe sat across from me, leaning forward. "You’ve seen the state of the Quinn family now. The company needs someone who can step up immediately, and honestly, you’re the only one who can help."

I nodded slowly. I’d suspected this was coming. Eleanor and Zoe had their own careers in completely different fields. They couldn’t just drop everything to run a jewelry empire they knew little about.

"Serena, you need to take over as Quinn Enterprises’ CEO."

I drew in a deep breath. CEO. The weight of that title felt crushing in that moment.

Zoe continued, her voice dropping slightly. "I know Mr. Blackwood will support you behind the scenes, but Serena, this is Quinn family business. I need you to think carefully. You can’t always rely on a man, even one like Ryan."

Ah. So that’s why she’d sent Ryan away.

"I understand, Zoe. I know what I’m doing."

She sighed, the concern evident in her expression. "I’m just being cautious, Serena. Yes, everyone in the Quinn family can see Mr. Blackwood’s feelings for you. But when a family business is teetering on the edge, romantic feelings aren’t always enough to keep someone around."

She reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. "A woman needs to stand on her own two feet. And honestly, you don’t want the Blackwoods thinking you’re incapable either."

The comment stung, though I knew she meant well. I squeezed her hand back.

"Zoe, I appreciate your concern, truly. But Ryan isn’t like that. You don’t need to worry." I straightened my shoulders, determination flooding through me. "I’ll take over the company tomorrow. I won’t let anything else happen to what Father built."

Zoe nodded, apparently satisfied. "I’ll head upstairs then."

After she left, I found Ryan waiting in the garden, his tall figure silhouetted against the moonlight. He didn’t ask what we’d discussed, didn’t push for information.

"Ready to get some rest?" he asked simply.

The moonlight caught in his eyes, making them gleam with an intensity that gave my exhausted spirit a moment of peace. I leaned against his shoulder, allowing myself a rare moment of vulnerability.

"Ryan, I’m so tired," I murmured, letting a hint of neediness creep into my voice. "Would you carry me inside?"

Without a word, he swept me up into his arms. I pressed my ear against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, feeling my own anxiety begin to subside as his warmth enveloped me.

The next morning came too quickly. Ryan headed out early to investigate Ethan’s accident while I prepared to step into my brother’s shoes at Quinn Enterprises. Before I even walked through those doors, I’d already spoken with Ethan’s assistant to understand the current situation.

The most troubling issue was clearly Jax Holloway, one of our major shareholders. If he decided to cause problems during this vulnerable period, he’d likely succeed. I needed to move first, to gain control before he could act against us.

I spent my first hour reviewing the current Quinn family projects, then directed the assistant to call an emergency meeting of all department heads. At minimum, I needed to stabilize our ongoing projects before addressing the larger issues.

Twenty minutes later, I walked into the conference room last, my high heels clicking purposefully against the marble floor. The murmuring voices fell silent immediately as all eyes turned to assess me.

Dreamland Studio had enough recognition that most people knew who I was, especially since we’d collaborated with Quinn Enterprises before. Still, their scrutiny felt heavy as I took my place at the head of the table.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I began, keeping my voice steady and authoritative, "as you know, both Ethan Quinn and Liam Quinn have suffered unfortunate accidents and are currently hospitalized. Effective immediately, I will be taking temporary control of Quinn family operations."

I met their gazes directly. "I’ve already reviewed our current projects. Each one needs careful oversight to ensure completion. The company’s present situation should be clear to everyone in this room - I won’t insult your intelligence by pretending otherwise."

Pausing, I let my eyes sweep around the table. "Those of you who choose to remain loyal to the Quinn family during this difficult period will find your dedication well-rewarded. However, if anyone feels unable to commit fully to our recovery, I encourage you to submit your resignation promptly. I assure you, there are plenty of talented professionals eager to fill your positions."

I hadn’t called a shareholders’ meeting first because I needed these mid-level and senior managers stabilized. If the company could maintain normal operations, Jax Holloway’s ability to influence shareholders would be significantly diminished.

"Rest assured," I concluded with quiet confidence, "this crisis facing the Quinn family will not last long."

After the meeting, I returned to find Cedric Lancaster already waiting in my office, looking perfectly at ease in one of the visitor chairs.

"Serena," he smiled, rising to his feet as I entered.