Author’s POV
Eliza Quinn had been watching Ryan and Serena’s interaction with calculated interest.
The tension between them was palpable, confirming her suspicions that their relationship was far more complicated than mere business acquaintances. She saw her opportunity when Serena walked away, leaving Ryan standing alone with that unmistakable look of longing on his face.
She approached him confidently, her heels clicking against the marble floor as she positioned herself directly in his line of sight.
"Unrequited love is such a painful thing to witness, Mr. Blackwood," she remarked with a knowing smile playing on her lips.
Ryan’s face immediately hardened. "What exactly do you want, Miss Quinn?"
"I’m merely making an observation," Eliza replied, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "And perhaps offering some assistance. Women understand other women in ways men simply can’t."
"And why would you help me?" Ryan asked, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Eliza tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Because I see potential for a mutually beneficial arrangement. And because Serena isn’t as indifferent to you as she pretends to be."
That caught his attention. Ryan’s expression shifted almost imperceptibly, but Eliza didn’t miss it. She’d successfully baited her hook.
"What exactly are you proposing?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.
"I’ve just returned to establish myself here," Eliza explained. "I need resources, connections, a studio of my own, a platform for my jewelry brand. You have all of that at your disposal."
Ryan crossed his arms. "And in return?"
"I help you understand what’s really going on in Serena’s mind. Women’s hearts are like needles at the bottom of the ocean—impossible to find unless you know exactly where to look." She leaned closer, her voice dropping further. "Miss your chance now, and you might never get her back."
Ryan considered her words carefully. His preference was to direct all Blackwood jewelry resources toward Serena, but having Mr. Quinn’s protégée on his side could prove strategically valuable. After a moment’s deliberation, he nodded.
"Fine. We have a deal."
Eliza’s smile widened as she raised her champagne glass. "To successful partnerships."
They clinked glasses, their conversation appearing cordial and engaged to anyone watching from across the room.
Ryan couldn’t help stealing glances toward Serena throughout their conversation. She was laughing at something Maya had said, seeming completely unbothered by his interaction with Eliza. His jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of disappointment crossing his features before he masked it again.
By the following afternoon, news of the partnership between Blackwood Industries and Eliza Quinn had spread throughout the city’s business and design circles. Industry insiders speculated about what this meant for the future of Blackwood’s jewelry division, which had previously been rumored to be shutting down entirely.
Wasting no time, Eliza immediately began preparations for her debut jewelry showcase—an event designed to announce her arrival on the local scene with maximum impact.
She personally oversaw every detail, from the venue selection to the lighting design, determined to create a spectacle worthy of attention.
A week later, an elegantly designed invitation arrived at Dreamland Studio.
The envelope, addressed specifically to Serena Blackwood rather than her professional name Lazuli, contained a handwritten note from Eliza requesting Serena’s presence as a special guest.
Maya picked up the invitation from the reception desk, examining it with a frown before bringing it to Serena’s office.
She found her friend bent over sketches for their upcoming collection, completely absorbed in her work.
"You might want to see this," Maya said, placing the invitation on top of Serena’s sketches.