Chapter 350

Serena’s POV

I slipped out of my car and into the underground bar right on time, my heart hammering against my ribs. The manager nodded at me from across the room and discreetly passed me a thick envelope. My fingers trembled slightly as I took it.

"Would you like to review it here?" he asked quietly.

"Just a quick glance," I murmured, carefully opening the file.

The first thing that caught my eye were the photographs - a woman who looked eerily like me, her features mirroring mine with about seven or eight points of similarity. But there were subtle differences around the eyes, the curve of her mouth.

My gaze flitted across various news clippings and reports - some showing Ryan and this woman in loving embraces, others capturing heated arguments on city streets caught by persistent paparazzi. I quickly closed the file, unable to process everything in this dingy bar with its oppressive atmosphere.

"Mrs. Lancaster, are you satisfied with what you see?" the manager asked, studying my reaction.

I took a deep breath, struggling to compose myself. "Thank you for your efforts," I said quietly, handing over a card with the agreed-upon payment.

He accepted it with a nervous glance. "Mrs. Lancaster, I’m sure you understand how sensitive this is. Once you walk out that door, I’d appreciate if you forget this place exists. I don’t particularly want Mr. Blackwood’s attention or retribution just for making a few bucks. You understand, right?"

"I understand completely. Your discretion is guaranteed," I assured him, clutching the file like it might burn through my fingers.

The weight of it felt impossible, like carrying a thousand pounds as I hurried back to my car. My heart pounded so violently I could hear the blood rushing in my ears.

Finding a quiet spot by the roadside, I parked and finally allowed myself to properly examine the file’s contents. My expression grew increasingly grim with each page I turned. Everything Cedric had told me was documented here - verifiable and undeniable.

Ryan Blackwood was exactly the hypocrite Cedric had described. While presenting a picture-perfect marriage to the public, he’d been secretly involved with other women during his wife’s prime years. Their pattern of marriage, divorce, and remarriage spoke volumes about his unreliability.

And after his wife’s car accident? She’d simply vanished. The file included numerous speculations that Ryan himself had been responsible, that he’d hidden her away or worse.

God, what a mess.

I stared blankly through the windshield, my mind racing. It seemed increasingly likely that Ryan had harmed me and was using me as some kind of replacement for his missing wife.

After sitting in stunned silence for several minutes, I made a decision. I got out of my car and methodically tore the documents to shreds, dropping them into a nearby trash bin. This information was for me alone - dangerous in anyone else’s hands.

The night air cut through my thin jacket, making me shiver involuntarily.

When I arrived home, Cedric was waiting in the living room, immediately rising when I entered.

"Serena, where have you been so late?" He rushed forward, concern etched across his features. "You’re so underdressed for this weather - your hands are freezing!"

He took my hands between his, rubbing them gently.

"I’m fine," I said, forcing a small smile. "Why aren’t you in bed yet?"

"I was waiting for you. Serena, you haven’t been yourself lately. Is it Rancy’s situation that’s bothering you so much?"

"Go to work tomorrow without worrying. I’ll talk to Rancy myself," he continued. "Children make new friends quickly. She’ll forget about all this soon enough."

I pressed my lips together, discreetly withdrawing my hands from his grasp.

"Thank you, Cedric. Rancy might listen to you more than me right now."

He nodded eagerly. "Don’t worry, I’ll handle it. You’re my wife, Serena, I love you."

Sensing the conversation drifting toward uncomfortable intimacy, I quickly excused myself and retreated upstairs.

The next day at Elegant Realm studio, Sally and I sat discussing contract renewals in my office.

"Serena, have you really thought this through? The LUXE partnership has been excellent. Are you certain about not renewing?" Sally asked, clearly confused by my decision.

I nodded firmly. I wanted no connections to Ryan whatsoever anymore.

"Just do as I said, please."

Sally acknowledged with a nod, respecting my decision despite her obvious reservations.

We had just started discussing future development plans when someone knocked on my office door.

"Mrs. Lancaster, Mr. Lancaster is here to see you."

Sally smiled knowingly. "I’ll leave you two alone," she said with a teasing lilt as she slipped out.

I stood to greet him. "Cedric, what brings you here? Is Rancy being difficult again?"

He shook his head. "Sit down. I’m actually here on business."

I raised an eyebrow. "Business?"

"Yes. I understand Elegant Realm is looking for new partnerships. How would you feel about Lancaster Group?"

His proposal caught me off guard. "Why would you want to partner with Elegant Realm?"

Cedric smiled confidently. "Lancaster Group can quickly assemble top designers. Besides," he added with significance, "a partnership between us would be... uncomplicated. Given our relationship."

Despite his persuasive tone, I hesitated. I understood his motivation - Elegant Realm had gained substantial market influence in a remarkably short time. Joining forces would benefit both businesses.

"I’ll need to think about it," I said finally.

"Of course," he nodded. "Take your time. Oh, and Rancy has agreed to attend the new kindergarten. I’ll personally take her for the first few days to make sure everything goes smoothly."

I felt a wave of relief. My daughter had been giving me the cold shoulder since the incident. This might be the first step toward repairing our relationship.

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

As he left, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was moving too fast - the files, Lancaster Group’s proposed partnership, Cedric’s increasing presence in my life. Something didn’t feel right, but I couldn’t put my finger on exactly what was bothering me.