Chapter 117

Author’s POV Ryan held the dark jacket loosely in one hand, his gaze fixed on Maya’s car until its taillights disappeared around the corner. His expression was unreadable, but the faint tension in his grip betrayed what he was holding back. Standing nearby, Simon glanced at his watch before speaking cautiously. “Mr. Blackwood, we should head upstairs.” Ryan closed his eyes for a brief moment, steadying himself. He straightened his cuffs, drew in a slow breath, and finally moved toward the building’s entrance. The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. Lucian stepped out, his stride measured, his tailored suit immaculate. His eyes, cool and sharp, landed on Ryan for the briefest second—calculated, assessing—before moving on as if nothing had happened. Ryan didn’t notice. His head was slightly lowered, his thoughts still circling back to Serena, a trace of distraction dulling the usual edge in his expression. Even the sound of the elevator doors closing behind him barely registered.