Serena’s POV
I strained my neck looking around the ballroom, scanning the sea of faces for Maya. She had vanished completely.
"Where did Maya suddenly disappear to?" I muttered, my eyes still searching the crowded venue.
Ryan shrugged casually. "Maybe she went home to rest."
I shook my head, feeling something wasn’t quite right about that explanation. Then another thought hit me.
"Wait—Ethan’s gone too?"
As the words left my mouth, my mind jumped to the obvious conclusion. I turned to Ryan with wide eyes.
"You don’t think... those two are together somewhere, do you?"
Ryan raised an eyebrow, looking exasperated yet amused by my instant matchmaking reflex.
"Serena, relationship matters are better left alone. Let them figure things out themselves."
I sighed dramatically. "Easy for you to say! One’s my best friend and one’s my brother. How can I not worry about them?"
"What exactly did you have in mind?" Ryan asked, probably already regretting the question.
I motioned him closer with a little curl of my finger, and when he leaned in, I whispered my brilliant plan in his ear. His lips twitched with barely contained amusement.
"That doesn’t seem appropriate," he said, but I could tell he wasn’t entirely opposed.
"There’s nothing inappropriate about it! Relationships need time to develop. Will you help me or not?" I looked up at him with my best pleading eyes.
Ryan ran his fingers through my hair, his smile growing increasingly indulgent. "Of course. Whatever makes you happy, I’ll help you do it."
I broke into a triumphant grin, already imagining my best friend and brother in sickeningly cute couple scenarios. Ryan promised to go find them while I waited, and I watched him disappear into the crowd, feeling extremely satisfied with myself.
Ryan’s POV
After searching the venue thoroughly, I finally spotted them on the second-floor balcony.
According to Serena’s plan, I was supposed to approach them about a collaboration project, forcing them to work together regularly. With a few additional strategic interventions from me, romance would supposedly blossom naturally.
It was a decent plan, but watching them now—standing side by side in awkward silence, pretending to admire the night view—I decided on a different approach altogether.
They hadn’t spoken a word to each other for what must have been minutes. I observed them quietly before stepping forward to break the silence.
"Hope I’m not interrupting anything?"
They both turned, acknowledging me with polite nods. Maya’s eyes darted around nervously.
"I should probably get back to Serena," she said quickly, already moving to leave.
"Actually, I need to discuss something with both of you," I said, blocking her escape route.
Maya looked surprised. "With me, Mr. Blackwood? Are you sure?"
I cleared my throat. "I’m planning to propose to Serena, and I’d like your help organizing the perfect proposal."
"You’re her best friend," I continued, focusing on Maya. "You know better than anyone what kind of proposal she’d want."
Maya’s eyes instantly lit up. "Absolutely! Count me in."
She paused, glancing sideways at Ethan with obvious hesitation. "Though I’m not sure Mr. Quinn needs to be involved. How could he help?"
Ethan frowned. "I can certainly be helpful. Mr. Blackwood wouldn’t have sought me out without reason."
I nodded. "Exactly. The most important part of any proposal is the ring."
"I want to commission a truly unique ring—designed collaboratively by both your companies."
Maya let out a surprised gasp. "Mr. Blackwood, that’s—how would that even work? Our styles are completely different!"
"Maybe LUXE Jewelry should handle it alone," she continued. "Dreamland’s style is too familiar to Serena—it wouldn’t surprise her."
Ethan nodded in agreement. "Miss Carter has a point. I’d be happy to take full responsibility for the ring."
I shook my head firmly. "No. What would make this truly special is having you two collaborate. It would mean everything to Serena."
Maya’s frown deepened, her suspicion clearly growing. "I understand my role as her best friend, but what exactly is Mr. Quinn’s role here?"
Ethan and I exchanged a glance, and I realized we were both at a loss for words. Maya’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
"Are you two hiding something from me?" she asked, her voice sharp with sudden insight.
Ethan’s eyes dropped to the floor, his guilty expression almost giving everything away. I maintained my composure.
"Miss Carter," I said smoothly, "you wouldn’t refuse to help with the proposal, would you?"
The diversion worked perfectly. Maya immediately backtracked.
"Of course not! This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment for Serena!"
"I’m happy you two are finally making it official," she added with genuine warmth. "Don’t worry, Mr. Quinn and I will create something perfect together."
I barely contained my relief as I gave them one final instruction.
"If Serena asks what you’re working on, just tell her it’s a collaboration with Blackwood Industries."
They both nodded, and I couldn’t help the satisfied smile that spread across my face. Sometimes, the best matchmaking happens when people think they’re working on something else entirely.