جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 290

Serena's POVThe moment I stepped off the plane onto New York soil, exhaustion melted away as anticipation took its place. After the whirlwind in London, I couldn't wait to surprise Maya with my early return and see my daughter's precious face again. I'd missed Vivian terribly during my time away.As I navigated through the terminal, wheeling my carry-on behind me, I spotted them—not just Maya, but Ryan too, standing side by side near the arrival gate. My steps faltered momentarily, surprise washing over me. I hadn't told either of them my exact arrival time."What's with that face?" Maya called out, already rushing toward me with arms wide open. "Aren't you happy to see your best friend and your dashingly handsome husband waiting for you?"Before I could respond, she enveloped me in a fierce hug that nearly knocked the wind from my lungs. The familiar scent of her signature perfume—something citrusy with hints of jasmine—filled my senses, and I couldn't help but smile against her shou

Ryan's lips captured mine with such hunger that I nearly lost my balance. His arms tightened around me, pulling me flush against his hard body as one hand tangled in my hair. The kiss deepened instantly, months of restraint crumbling between us like sand castles before a rising tide."God, I've missed you," he breathed against my mouth, his voice rough with desire. "Every night lying beside you, not touching you... it's been torture."His confession sent liquid heat pooling low in my belly. I slid my hands up his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart beneath my fingertips. "I've missed you too," I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.Ryan's eyes darkened, the storm-gray irises nearly black with passion. Without warning, he lifted me again and carried me to our bed, laying me down with surprising gentleness that contrasted with the barely restrained need in his expression."You're even more beautiful now," he murmured, his gaze traveling slowly over my body. "Motherhood su

Serena’s POVSomething wasn't quite right.The thought nagged at me throughout the afternoon as I tried to focus on the latest design portfolios. Ryan's unexpected office visit, his odd insistence on keeping me away from my phone when I mentioned calling London—small things that wouldn't normally raise flags, but together formed a pattern that set my internal alarms ringing.After our romantic dinner last night, I'd let my suspicions fade. Perhaps I was being paranoid. But this morning, I noticed Ryan checking his phone more frequently than usual, his expression darkening briefly before smoothing into practiced neutrality whenever I entered the room.Once at my office, I waited until I was alone before dialing Maya's number.The video call rang for nearly a minute before connecting. When Maya's face finally appeared on screen, I immediately noticed the shadows under her eyes, poorly concealed with makeup."Maya, what took you so long? Were you avoiding me?" I tried to keep my tone ligh

Author’s POVNews of Liam Quinn's hospitalization spread through London's financial district like wildfire, igniting a media frenzy that couldn't be contained. Headlines painted a damning portrait, suggesting his collapse was nothing more than a calculated ploy to escape scrutiny."QUINN PATRIARCH'S CONVENIENT ILLNESS: SYMPATHY PLAY OR GUILTY CONSCIENCE?" screamed one tabloid."FAMILY DYNASTY CRUMBLING: LIAM QUINN'S HOSPITAL STAY RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT INHERITANCE SCANDAL," declared another.The coordinated nature of these attacks was unmistakable—too precise to be coincidental, too relentless to be silenced through conventional channels.Ryan's sleek black Bentley pulled up to the private entrance of Royal London Hospital, where security personnel immediately moved to escort him and Serena through a side door, away from the small gathering of paparazzi who had caught wind of their arrival."Vultures," Ryan muttered under his breath, his hand protectively at the small of Serena's back

Serena’s POVI smoothed down the front of my black Valentino gown."Ready?" Ethan asked, offering his arm as our car pulled up to the entrance of the Moran Hotel."As I'll ever be," I replied, accepting his support. The grand marble steps leading into London's most prestigious venue were already crowded with the city's elite, all dressed in their finest and eager to witness the social event of the season.Ryan appeared at my other side, looking devastatingly handsome in his tailored black tux. "Remember, we're making a statement just by walking through those doors. Head high."The moment we stepped into the opulent ballroom, I felt the shift in the atmosphere—the momentary hush, followed by the unmistakable buzz of gossip. Heads turned, conversations paused, and eyes locked onto us with a mixture of curiosity, disdain, and poorly concealed excitement."Quinn family actually showed up?""With their father hospitalized and that financial scandal brewing? Bold move.""Parker and Quinn in