Chapter 44

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 slig