Serena’s POV
I stared at the proposal for the third time, my eyes scanning every detail. Everything looked perfect—too perfect. The profit margins were generous, the terms were favorable, and there weren’t any hidden clauses I could spot. And that’s exactly what worried me.
Why would Lucian West suddenly offer such a generous deal after I’d already turned him down once? It smelled like bait, though I couldn’t figure out what the trap might be.
That evening when Ryan returned home, I brought it up while we were relaxing in the living room.
"Ryan, what do you think Lucian’s really after?" I asked, curling my legs beneath me on the sofa. "This proposal is suspiciously generous. I can’t help wondering if it’s another trap."
Ever since learning about the bad blood between Ryan and Lucian, I’d become extra cautious about anything involving Celestial Gems.
Ryan’s expression remained neutral as he took a sip of his whiskey. "Don’t overthink it. If you believe the partnership makes business sense, trust your instincts."
I frowned, genuinely surprised by his casual response. "Really? But I thought you and Lucian were..."
"Lucian’s probably figured out Kane’s game," Ryan interrupted. "He’s not buying into Kane’s manipulation anymore."
My face brightened immediately. "Really? That’s wonderful news! Without Kane stirring up trouble, Lucian probably won’t target Blackwood Enterprises anymore."
Ryan nodded slightly. "So stop worrying. Even if Lucian had ulterior motives, he wouldn’t sacrifice this much profit just to set some elaborate trap."
After thinking it through, I decided to follow Ryan’s advice. "Alright, I’ll tell Maya to proceed with the contract then."
"Will you be personally overseeing this new project?" Ryan asked, his eyes studying me with that intensity that always made my heart skip.
I laughed nervously, feeling a bit caught. "Don’t worry, I won’t push myself too hard. I promise I’ll take good care of myself."
Ryan sighed. "I was just asking. But even if you wanted to overwork yourself, you wouldn’t get the chance."
"I’ll be checking in on you. Regularly."
The phrase "checking in" coming from Ryan’s serious face made me burst out laughing. That was usually something wives did to their husbands, not the other way around.
"Okay, okay! Check in all you want!" I giggled, enjoying this playful side of him.
After our little banter, I texted Maya: "We can proceed with the partnership. Have the lawyers verify all contract details thoroughly before signing. Thanks for handling this."
Her reply came quickly: "OK! Leave it to me, don’t worry!"
With that settled, I went to get ready for bed, feeling a weight lifted from my shoulders.
A few days later, Celestial Gems held a press conference. Lucian West, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, sat center stage discussing his company’s full entry into the domestic market. Though the news had already circulated within the industry, the official announcement still generated significant buzz.
Celestial’s performance during the jewelry season had been nothing short of spectacular. Lance Draven, a renowned designer who tends to keep a low profile but remains influential in the domestic jewelry scene, quietly endorsed the news online. He’d been invited to contribute to our collaboration, adding more prestige to the partnership.
After resting at home for several days, I couldn’t resist attending the first joint meeting between our companies, despite my promise to take it easy. Both Lucian and Lance were present.
"Mr. West, Mr. Draven, it’s good to see you both," I greeted them professionally, extending my hand.
They shook it in turn before we all sat down.
"Serena, seeing you in person has become quite the rare privilege," Lucian remarked with a slight smile.
"You’re teasing me, Mr. West," I replied lightly. "As you know, my health requires that I not overexert myself, which is why Maya has been handling most things. But I truly appreciate your generous offer."
Lucian nodded politely. "No need for such formalities. This is Lance Draven, though I suspect you’re both familiar with each other’s work already?"
I smiled at Lance. "Indeed, your reputation precedes you. Having you on board will certainly make this collaboration even more successful."
After exchanging pleasantries, we dove into the meeting. I’d been wary of Lucian’s intentions, but throughout the entire discussion, I detected no underhanded agenda from him. Could he really have recognized Kane’s manipulations and changed his approach?
Though questions lingered in my mind, I couldn’t ask directly. For now, I’d have to take things one step at a time.
When the meeting concluded, Lucian excused himself first. With Celestial’s recent expansion, he was understandably busy.
Lance had no other commitments and seemed interested in continuing our conversation.
"Mrs. Lazuli, will you be personally overseeing this project? Won’t that be too strenuous for you?" he asked with what seemed like genuine concern.
I shook my head with a smile. "I won’t be monitoring everything personally. I know my limits."
"And please, call me Serena. ’Mrs. Lazuli’ feels... strange," I added with a slightly awkward laugh.
Lance chuckled. "I apologize for being presumptuous. I’ve followed your work for some time. Your unique style and designs are truly refreshing."
"Serena, if you have time, perhaps we could sit and talk design for a while?"
Glancing at my watch, I decided there was no reason to decline. Conversing with a designer of his caliber about creative approaches was an opportunity I rarely got these days.
We settled into a fascinating discussion about design theories, material selections, and creative inspirations. The conversation flowed effortlessly between us, two artists speaking a shared language of creativity and vision.
Time slipped by unnoticed as we exchanged ideas, sketching concepts on napkins and debating the merits of various techniques. I found myself thoroughly enjoying this professional exchange—something I’d been missing in my self-imposed semi-retirement.
Our animated conversation came to an abrupt halt at the sound of knuckles rapping sharply against the conference room door.
Ryan stood in the doorway, his tall frame filling the entrance. His face was a careful mask of neutrality, but I knew him well enough to see the storm brewing behind his eyes. His gaze swept across the room, lingering with unmistakable intensity on Lance, who was leaning forward enthusiastically, showing me a design sketch on his tablet.
The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees in an instant.
"I see I’m interrupting," Ryan’s voice was perfectly controlled, but the muscle twitching in his jaw gave him away.
Looking at his barely contained expression, I suddenly realized with a mixture of amusement and exasperation: Ryan Blackwood was jealous. Again.