Author’s POV
A shadow loomed over New York as Ryan paced his office, trapped between desperation and determination. Every hour without Serena felt like a lifetime. While his private investigators chased down leads across the city, he scrutinized the footage for the hundredth time, searching for any detail he might have missed.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the design world erupted in chaos. The Design Association had finally rendered their verdict on the plagiarism accusations against Serena—guilty as charged.
The announcement spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
"The official statement confirms it—Serena really is a plagiarist," one comment read.
"Wait, didn’t she provide evidence clearing her name? And didn’t ARt company back her up? Is this just about money talking?" questioned another user.
"The officials have spoken! You Lazuli fans still expecting some miracle turnaround? This is solid proof, don’t you understand?"
"Lance Draven was actually merciful. If it were me, I’d have sued her immediately. Finally seeing her blacklisted from the industry! Celebrating!"
For anyone who knew the design world, this was earth-shattering news. Serena had been a trendsetter whose work had won countless international awards. She’d even judged major design competitions. For someone of her caliber to be exposed as a plagiarist sent shockwaves through the entire community.
The name "Lazuli" would inevitably be blacklisted from the design world. Former fans flooded Serena’s accounts with accusations, the scandal spiraling beyond LUXE’s control.
Inside LUXE headquarters, an emergency board meeting was called to address the crisis. Despite Liam Quinn’s impassioned defense, the board voted to remove Serena from her position as CEO, installing Ethan in her place.
As the shareholders dispersed with visible relief, only the Quinns remained, devastated by the turn of events.
Maya bit her lip so hard she nearly drew blood, fighting back tears.
"Maya, please don’t be upset," Ethan said softly, taking her hand. "Finding Serena is all that matters right now."
"As long as she’s safe, none of this—the fame, the position—matters," he continued, though his own heart was breaking.
Liam Quinn sighed heavily. "Maya, you know New York better than any of us. Ryan’s returned there today. I need you to go check on him, and if possible, bring Vivian back with you."
"Don’t let Ryan do anything reckless in his state," he added, concerned for his son-in-law.
Maya wiped away her tears with determination. "I was planning to go anyway. Vivian needs someone to look after her while Ryan’s searching for Serena."
"Ethan, I’ll pack and leave immediately," she said, squeezing her husband’s hand. "You need to hold things together at LUXE."
Ethan nodded resolutely, though his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I will protect LUXE at all costs. Don’t worry too much, Maya. I believe we’ll find Serena eventually."
Hours later, Maya landed in New York and immediately called Ryan. His voice sounded hollow as he updated her: the driver who had rear-ended Serena had been caught and claimed he’d seen someone take Serena from the car before fleeing the scene. He’d assumed she was being rescued and left the scene in panic.
"That bastard!" Maya’s knuckles went white around her phone. "Who would have taken her, Ryan? Who knew she would be there?"
"I don’t know," Ryan admitted, his voice tight with controlled rage. "I’m having my people look into everyone with access to her schedule. Maya, can you keep an eye out for anything suspicious? Any enemies, rivals, anyone who might have wanted to harm her?"
"Of course," Maya promised. "I’ll do anything to find her."
---
Meanwhile, thousands of miles away in Thailand, Cedric Lancaster was settling Serena into his secluded beachfront property. He had already arranged for private medical care, ensuring she received top-tier treatment while remaining hidden from the world.
After ensuring Serena was comfortable, Cedric drove to his company’s Thai branch office. His phone rang—his father, demanding an explanation for his sudden relocation.
"You’re throwing away your responsibilities in Thailand for what? A beach vacation?" his father’s voice boomed through the speaker.
"It’s a business expansion," Cedric countered, his tone firm. "The Southeast Asian market is untapped potential for us."
The argument continued until Cedric finally convinced his father that this was a strategic move. While this excuse would serve him well, Cedric knew expanding the business would eventually become necessary—he needed a sustainable cover for keeping Serena hidden here indefinitely.
As night fell, Cedric returned to the house where medical staff were not only treating Serena but also serving as her guardians.
"Serena, I’m home," he announced with a practiced smile as he entered her room.
She responded with a faint acknowledgment, her expression distant and troubled. The confusion of her situation weighed heavily on her.
"How are you feeling today?" he asked, though he’d already received a full report from the doctors. Her recovery was progressing well; within a month, she’d be almost completely healed.
"Fine," Serena replied with a forced smile.
Cedric moved closer, reaching out to stroke her cheek. To his dismay, she instinctively flinched away, avoiding his eyes.
His hand froze in mid-air, his smile faltering.
"I’m sorry," she whispered. "I’ve lost my memory. Even if you are my husband, I’m just not...comfortable yet."
"I need some time," she added quietly.
Cedric lowered his hand and nodded, masking his disappointment. "Of course. Take all the time you need. We have our whole future ahead of us."
With that, he left the room, leaving Serena alone with her thoughts.
From her window, Serena gazed out at the unfamiliar landscape, sighing softly. Time would eventually heal her wounds and perhaps fade the strange emptiness inside her.