Serena’s POV
I had settled into a comfortable rhythm at the Quinn family estate, and Ryan had remained by my side throughout my stay. Fortunately, Kane had been unusually quiet on the business front lately, allowing us to enjoy a rare period of peace. But that tranquility was about to be shattered by unexpected news.
"Kane’s legs have hope of recovery?" Ryan’s voice carried a note of disbelief as his assistant delivered the news.
Simon nodded firmly. "Yes, sir. Latest reports indicate the Vergara family brought in specialists for his treatment. The results have been... remarkable."
Ryan and I exchanged a knowing glance. This wasn’t just medical news—it was political. If Kane could stand again, the Blackwood shareholders would reassess his position and influence. The power dynamics we’d carefully balanced were about to shift.
"Don’t worry," Ryan squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Even if he’s standing, he’s still just a clown jumping through hoops."
I took a deep breath, feeling the baby move slightly. "We should get back to New York soon anyway. You’ve been in London too long—the company can’t function without you forever."
Ryan studied my face, concern evident in his eyes. "I can go first. You should stay longer with your family."
I shook my head firmly. "No need. My pregnancy is progressing, and if I stay any longer, I might end up giving birth in London. That would be inconvenient for everyone."
"I’ll speak with your mother tonight, and we can leave this evening," I added, already mentally packing.
Ryan considered this silently before finally agreeing. My family wasn’t thrilled about our hasty departure, but they understood my reasoning and didn’t try to stop us.
"When it’s closer to your due date, I’ll come to New York to be with you," my mother Hazel promised, clutching my hands tightly. Her eyes, so similar to my own, were filled with worry. "Please take care of yourself. We can’t have any more... incidents."
I squeezed her hands back, throat tight with emotion. "I will, Mom. I promise."
The goodbyes with my newly rediscovered family were harder than I’d expected. After years of believing I was alone in the world, having a mother, brother, and extended family who cared about me still felt surreal.
The moment our plane touched down in New York, Ryan received breaking news about Kane. He was already standing—actually standing—and had called a press conference with Tiffany Vergara by his side. The images flooded social media: Kane on his feet, Tiffany gazing adoringly up at him. They looked disgustingly perfect together, and people who didn’t know better were already shipping them as couple goals.
"Well, that news spread fast," I remarked coldly as we drove through the city. "Kane certainly put effort into this little comeback tour."
Ryan snorted. "He must have promised the Vergara family quite a lot. Question is whether he can actually deliver."
"What’s his endgame here?"
"Serena," Ryan’s voice softened as he took my hand. "Let’s get you home first. I’ll handle all of this."
Back at the Blackwood mansion, I immediately called my family to let them know we’d arrived safely. Then I dialed Maya, desperately needing my best friend’s perspective.
"Serena!" Maya practically screamed when I told her I was back. "Thank god! I’ve been dying without you here."
"Are you at home? I can come over," she offered immediately.
I smiled, picturing her already grabbing her keys. "No need. I’ll be at the studio tomorrow. I brought you gifts."
"I knew I was your favorite!" Maya’s laugh warmed me through the phone. "So... about you-know-who..."
"How are things with you and Ethan?" I couldn’t resist asking. "Any developments I should know about?"
Maya’s voice softened. "I wasn’t planning to hide it from you anyway. Ethan says he’ll visit me soon."
"You two better make it work," I teased. "I want us to officially be family someday."
"If he hurts you, I’ll personally kick his ass—brother or not," I added firmly.
Maya laughed nervously. "Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We’re still figuring things out. What if we realize we’re not compatible and break up?"
"Stop it! I’ve already mentioned you to my family," I confessed. "Mom already loves you and wants to know when Ethan is bringing you home for dinner."
"Serena!" Maya groaned. "You’re such a blabbermouth! You couldn’t keep it secret for five minutes?"
"Why keep good news secret?" I defended myself. "Besides, Ethan has never shown interest in anyone before you. You’re special to him. Trust me, someone like my brother would never betray you—I guarantee it."
As I continued advocating for my brother, Maya changed the subject. "While you two were away, Celestial Gems and Kane have been at each other’s throats. If the Vergara family hadn’t stepped in, Kane wouldn’t have had a chance of standing again."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised. "Really? I hadn’t heard anything about this."
"I bet Ryan didn’t want you to worry," Maya explained. "Besides, Celestial Gems fighting Kane is just free entertainment for you guys—no need to get involved."
"True," I agreed, "but Lucian facing the Vergara family alone must be difficult."
"Serena, you worry too much!" Maya chided. "Ryan knows exactly what he’s doing. He’ll step in when necessary. Even as an outsider, I’m excited to see what happens next. Now that Ryan’s back, Kane doesn’t stand a chance, legs or no legs."
Her confidence reassured me. "Fine, I’ll stop asking questions. How’s the studio doing?"
"Same as always. Nothing I couldn’t handle," Maya said proudly.
"Good. Let’s talk more tomorrow then," I said, feeling exhaustion creep into my bones.
"Don’t forget my presents!" she reminded me before hanging up.