Alle Kapitel von CEO's Regret After I Divorced: Kapitel 331 – Kapitel 340

Serena’s POVI stood there for a moment, stunned, half-convinced the child was simply saying something sweet and nonsensical—as children often did.I forced a gentle smile. "Then your mommy must be very beautiful," I said softly. "I hope I'll get to meet her someday."Vivian's expression changed.Her small shoulders drooped, and the brightness in her eyes dimmed, as if someone had quietly turned down a light."My mommy's not home," she said. Not dramatic. Not tearful. Just honest."She's gone."The word sat heavily between us."Daddy says she's missing," Vivian continued, her voice calm in that unsettling way only children could manage. "He's been looking for her for a really long time. But he still can't find her."Something twisted sharply in my chest, catching me completely off guard. I didn't know this child. And yet her quiet sadness settled into me as if it belonged there.Before I could say anything, Rancy reached out.Her little fingers wrapped around Vivian's hand in a clumsy

Author’s POVThe afternoon sun cast long, golden streaks across the playground of Bright Horizons Preschool, illuminating the bright plastic slides and the colorful murals painted along the outer walls. Most of the children had already been collected by their parents, their laughter fading down the street one by one, leaving behind a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere.Only a handful remained.Rancy was one of them.Barely two years old, she sat in the sandbox with her legs stretched out in front of her, white socks now thoroughly baptized in gray sand. Her small hands patted at a lopsided mound she had been working on with the intense focus only toddlers possess. Whatever it was meant to be, the shape had long since surrendered under her enthusiastic efforts."Ba!" she giggled, clapping her sandy hands together proudly.Sand exploded in all directions.Beside her crouched another little girl—older, steadier, her movements deliberate. Dark curls bounced around her shoulders as she carefull

Author's POVMeanwhile at Quinn Estate...The dining room of Quinn Estate radiated old money sophistication—crystal chandeliers casting warm light over the antique mahogany table where Ryan Blackwood sat opposite Ethan Quinn. Maya Carter, Ryan's closest friend and business partner, completed their unlikely dinner trio."These oysters are incredible," Maya remarked, sipping her white wine. "Almost good enough to make me forget I had to handle the entire west wing setup solo today."Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Issues with the new branch opening?""Not issues exactly," Maya replied carefully, setting down her fork with deliberate precision. "Just some last-minute curveballs. The signing ceremony went smoothly, but our star designer was a no-show."Ethan's fork froze halfway to his mouth. "Star designer? You mean—""Serena Lancaster," Maya confirmed. "Her assistant—Sally, right?—covered everything, but you could tell she was rattled."Ryan's expression didn't change, but his grip on his wine

Author’s POVJust three days after her hospital discharge, Rancy was bouncing with excitement, her recent illness seemingly forgotten."Vi-vi birthday!" Rancy exclaimed, clapping her small hands together. Her pronunciation was still developing at two and a half years old, but her enthusiasm needed no translation. "Me come!"Vivian beamed down at her younger friend. "You really will come to my party, Rancy?""Yes!" Rancy nodded emphatically, her chestnut curls bobbing. "Bring p'esent too!"Vivian's smile widened, revealing a gap where her front tooth had recently fallen out. "You don't need to bring anything. Just you coming makes me happy."The two girls exchanged delighted grins, their friendship untainted by the complex adult world surrounding them.Across town in the European headquarters of ARt Design, Sophie Hart Anderson was considerably less cheerful. The sleek corner office did nothing to improve her darkening mood as she tapped manicured nails against her glass desk."So Maya

Ryan’s POVI stared at the array of birthday party catalogs spread across my expansive mahogany desk, watching my six-year-old daughter flip through them with uncharacteristic enthusiasm. Vivian's dark hair fell forward as she leaned in, studying each page with an intensity I rarely saw in her. The afternoon sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows of my office cast a warm glow on her small features, so reminiscent of her mother's."What about this one, Daddy?" Vivian pointed to an elaborate princess-themed party setup. "Do you think Rancy would like it?"I couldn't help but smile. In the three years since Serena left us, I'd never seen Vivian this invested in anything related to socializing with other children. She'd always been reserved, preferring books and quiet activities to boisterous play. But this friendship with Rancy had sparked something new in her."Is this party for you or for Rancy?" I asked gently, smoothing back a strand of her hair.Vivian looked up at m