CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 84 PRETEND TO BE ILL

Ryan’s POV

"Mr. Blackwood, they’re waiting for you inside," Simon whispered, gesturing toward the boardroom.

I nodded, straightening my tie. "Let’s get this over with."

Two hours later, I finally escaped the boardroom, immediately checking my phone. Six missed calls from the butler. My stomach dropped.

"Simon, reschedule everything. Something’s happened."

I called the butler back immediately, my fingers tightening around the phone as he explained the situation.

"Sir, Mrs. Blackwood—I mean, Ms. Quinn came to the estate today. There was... an unfortunate encounter with Ms. Hart."

"What happened?" My voice came out sharper than intended.

"Ms. Hart was wearing some of the clothes Ms. Quinn left behind. There were... words exchanged."

I closed my eyes briefly. Of course Sophie would do something like that. "I’m on my way."

Twenty minutes later, I stormed through the front door of the estate. The butler approached immediately, looking distressed.

"Where is Sophie?" I demanded.

"In the guest bedroom, sir. She’s been... upset since Ms. Quinn left."

I headed straight upstairs, not bothering to knock before entering. Sophie sat on the edge of the bed, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. The moment she saw me, her expression crumpled.

"Ryan, I’m so sorry," she whimpered. "This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have let Serena misunderstand."

I narrowed my eyes, "why didn’t you explain the situation clearly?"

Sophie shook her head pitifully. "I tried, but she turned and left before I could say anything. She wouldn’t give me a chance to explain."

She looked up at me with those wide, tearful eyes—the same eyes that had once held me captive for years.

"It’s because I’m staying here, isn’t it? She misunderstood. But Ryan, I have nowhere safe to go. If my ex-husband finds me, he’ll lock me away again. You know what he’s capable of."

Her hand reached out, clutching my sleeve desperately. The contrast between this fragile creature and the smug woman the butler described from earlier was striking.

I sighed heavily. "I’ll arrange another safe place for you to stay. I’ll have someone escort you to and from work. You won’t be in any danger, but you can’t stay at the Blackwood estate anymore. It’s not appropriate."

Her hand trembled against my sleeve, eyes filling with fresh tears.

"You’re sending me away? After everything?"

I had no patience for her emotional manipulation. All I could think about was Serena—pregnant with my child, seeing Sophie in our home, wearing her clothes. My chest tightened painfully.

"Pack your things. I’ll have someone take you to the new place tonight."

I left without another word, heading straight for Dreamland Studio. I needed to see Serena, to explain. The possibility that stress might harm her or our baby made my heart race with fear.

When I arrived, security blocked my entrance.

"Ms. Quinn and Ms. Carter gave specific instructions. You’re not allowed inside, sir."

My jaw clenched. "Where is Serena?"

"Ms. Quinn isn’t here."

I tried to push past them, but more security personnel appeared, physically blocking my path.

"Sir, please don’t make this difficult," one pleaded. "We’re just following orders."

"Do you want us to lose our jobs? Please understand."

"Everyone’s working inside. This kind of disturbance isn’t good for anyone."

Their words barely registered as I continued pushing forward. Then a familiar voice cut through the chaos.

"Well, if it isn’t the ex-husband! What’s this—made her angry again and now you’re here for damage control?"

Julian Clarke walked toward us, coffee in hand, observing the scene with barely concealed amusement.

"Where is Serena?" I demanded.

Julian glanced at the security team. "You can go. I’ll handle this."

The guards retreated gratefully while Julian took a leisurely sip of his coffee, clearly enjoying my impatience.

"She’s not here. Don’t you find this pattern exhausting? You hurt her, then you rush to make amends. Don’t you see how ridiculous that is?"

"You’re the one hurting her, yet you’re always the one chasing after her. It’s pathetic, really."

His condescension grated on my already frayed nerves.

"This is between Serena and me. It doesn’t concern you."

I brushed past him and headed straight to Serena’s office, only to find it empty.

"Believe me now?" Julian leaned against the doorframe. "She doesn’t want to see you. Not just today—ever. Do you understand?"

I ignored his taunting and walked out. The situation was worse than I’d thought. Serena was clearly jealous of Sophie—which meant she still cared. But she was also angry enough to avoid me completely.

I needed to fix this, fast.

That evening, I returned to the old Blackwood mansion. Since the incident with Kane, my relationship with Grandmother had cooled considerably. When she saw me enter, she merely glanced up.

"You’re here."

"Grandmother," I greeted her respectfully, sitting down to keep her company.

She immediately rubbed her forehead, letting out a pained sound. "Oh my... I’ve been feeling so unwell lately. This house is too empty—no one to talk to. I suppose I’m just getting old and useless."

Concern crossed my face. "Have you seen a doctor? What’s wrong?"

She waved dismissively. "Of course I have. They’re no help—just prescribe pills that make me feel worse."

"If you truly cared about your grandmother’s happiness, you wouldn’t let me suffer like this."

I tensed, already guessing where this conversation was heading.

Kane remained abroad with an arrest warrant hanging over his head. As long as I pursued the case, he couldn’t return to the country, forced to hide in some obscure location.

He might be comfortable financially, but having to conceal his identity was surely torturous for my crippled uncle.

"Ryan, you both carry the Blackwood name. You’re family. Why can’t you let this go?" Grandmother pressed.

I remained silent. Telling her the truth about how Kane had orchestrated my parents’ deaths would destroy her. With one son dead and the other a murderer—she couldn’t bear it.

"Ryan, I know you’re meticulous—that’s why Blackwood Group thrives under your management. But I promise, I won’t let your uncle touch any part of the business again."

"The company will remain solely yours. I’m old, Ryan. I just want my son by my side."

Her eyes reddened with emotion.

"How many years do I have left? Why can’t you grant me this one wish?"

Her words made me falter. Was I being too harsh?

"Just let Kane come home. All you need to do is drop the charges. He’s crippled now—what threat could he possibly pose to you?"

"This feud between uncle and nephew only gives people something to gossip about."

Her arguments were straightforward, laying out the benefits and consequences for my consideration.

Seeing my hesitation, she changed tactics.

"Are you and Serena fighting again? I haven’t seen her around lately. Tell me what’s happening. Let your grandmother help."

This was exactly why I’d come—hoping Grandmother could intervene where I couldn’t.

"We had a misunderstanding. I can’t find her now."

"Ah, I see," Grandmother nodded. "I’ll invite her over. Why don’t you stay here at the mansion?"

"I’ll stay, but I doubt she’ll come."

Grandmother smiled knowingly. "That’s simple enough. I’ll pretend to be ill."

Would that actually work? I wasn’t convinced, but I was desperate enough to try anything. Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures.