CEO's Regret After I Divorced-Chapter 383 A Daughter Hidden in Lies

Author’s POV

Ryan was mid-Blackwood family meeting—discussing upcoming deals—when his assistant announced Ethan’s arrival. He cut the meeting short, dismissing everyone with a wave, and met his brother-in-law in his private office, away from prying eyes.

"You knew about Serena," Ethan said flatly, no greeting needed—his tone a mix of frustration and relief. It was a statement, not a question.

Ryan tensed, shoulders stiffening. Since their last argument, he’d given Serena space—days of biting his tongue, longing to reach out but fearing he’d push her further away. "You all know now?"

"That fashion week fire wasn’t exactly a secret," Ethan crossed his arms. "What’s your plan? Are you just going to let Cedric keep her trapped?"

Ryan’s fists clenched, frustration boiling over. "Of course not. But she sees me as an enemy—someone forcing her into a life she doesn’t remember. Have you tried talking to her?"

"Zoe and Maya did. She insists she’s only Serena Lancaster. Zoe took her for DNA testing, but..." Ethan trailed off, his expression darkening.

Ryan’s brow furrowed, a sinking feeling in his chest. "The results were wrong."

"Someone tampered with the samples," Ethan confirmed. "But Serena won’t believe it. She told Zoe the Quinns—and you—should stay away. Said we’re making her life harder."

Ryan’s jaw tightened, teeth grinding. He’d feared this—Cedric had laid enough groundwork to make Serena distrust everyone but him. "What do we do?"

"Investigate Cedric—find out what he’s hidden these three years. And is there a safe way to help her recover her memories?"

Ryan leaned back, closing his eyes to think. A gentle approach was needed, something that wouldn’t trigger her resistance. "I’ll call the best specialists. We’ll examine her without overwhelming her."

"Are you holding up?" Ethan asked, noting Ryan’s haggard face—dark circles, a tight set to his mouth. He’d clearly barely slept since finding Serena.

Ryan opened his eyes, a weary smile tugging at his lips. "Seeing her alive is more than I dared hope for. She won’t forget me forever. We’ll find our way back—I promise."

After Ethan left, Ryan grabbed his phone, dialing quickly. "Bring Vivian to my office. Now."

Twenty minutes later, his daughter walked in, shoulders slouched, head down. Since Rancy transferred schools, Vivian had grown quiet—less eager for preschool, less likely to laugh.

"Dad, you called?" Her voice was small, lacking its usual spark.

Ryan’s expression softened. "Why so sad, sweetheart? Are you sick?" He reached to brush her hair, but Vivian pulled back slightly.

"It’s nothing."

Ryan knelt, meeting her gaze. "You miss Rancy, don’t you?"

Vivian’s head snapped up, eyes lighting with hope. "Dad, can we go see her? Please?"

Ryan smiled, relief washing over him. Rancy’s new preschool was near Serena’s studio—his chance to check on Serena without pushing too hard. "Yes, we can."

"Really? Now?" Vivian’s voice brightened instantly.

"Really. Let’s go."

In the car, Vivian chattered nonstop—questions about Rancy, whether she’d missed her, what they’d play. Finally, Ryan asked gently, "Why do you like Rancy so much, Viv?"

"We’re special friends," Vivian nodded earnestly. "Like we knew each other before, even though we didn’t."

Ryan’s heart skipped a beat. He’d replayed the timeline a hundred times—Serena disappeared three years ago; Rancy was two years old. The dates matched perfectly.

"Vivian," he asked carefully, "what color are Rancy’s eyes?"

"Gray-blue, like yours," she answered instantly. "A little different, but that’s why I asked if you were her dad once."

Ryan nearly swerved the car. "You what?"

"She laughed and said no, but she looks like you sometimes—especially when she’s mad."

Ryan’s knuckles whitened on the wheel. Could Rancy be his—their—daughter? The thought sent electricity through his body. That bastard Cedric—if he’d taken both his wife and child...

He pulled over, grabbing his phone to call Ethan. "I need you to dig deeper into Cedric. Everything—where he went after London, who he saw. And get medical records for a child named Rancy—allegedly his daughter."

"Allegedly?" Ethan picked up on his tone.

"I think she’s mine. And Serena’s."

Ethan fell silent. "I’ll get on it. But Ryan—if this is true..."

"I know. Just get me the info."

Twenty minutes later, they reached the preschool. Vivian bounced out of the car, but Ryan followed slowly, his mind racing. The teacher’s sympathetic smile set off alarm bells.

"I’m sorry, Mr. Blackwood—Rancy’s not here. Her father called; she has a fever and he took her to the hospital."

Vivian’s face crumpled. "Is she okay?"

"She’ll be fine, sweetheart—probably just a cold," the teacher said, kneeling down.

"Which hospital?" Ryan asked casually.

"Central Memorial, I believe."

"Dad, we have to go!" Vivian tugged his hand, tears forming. "She’s scared of hospitals!"

"We’re going now," Ryan said, picking her up. He thanked the teacher and hurried back to the car.

In the car, Vivian clung to her backpack, quiet. "She’ll be okay, princess," Ryan assured her.

"Promise?"

"I promise."

As they pulled into the hospital parking lot, Vivian perked up. "Look! Rancy’s mommy!"

Ryan followed her gaze—and his heart stopped. Serena was walking toward the entrance, dressed simply in jeans and a cream sweater, hair in a loose ponytail, focused on her phone.

"Wait here," he told the driver, helping Vivian out. They reached the entrance just as Serena did.

"Ms. Serena! Is Rancy okay?" Vivian called out.

Serena looked up, surprise flashing before her expression hardened at the sight of Ryan. "What are you doing here?" she asked coldly, directed at him.

"We came to see Rancy," Ryan said calmly. "Vivian was worried."

Serena’s eyes softened when she looked at Vivian. "That’s sweet. Rancy’s fine—we’re checking out now."

"Can I see her? Please?" Vivian begged.

Serena hesitated, glancing between Vivian and Ryan—suspicion clear in her eyes. What lies had Cedric told her about him?

Before she could answer, the doors slid open, and Cedric emerged, carrying Rancy. "Rancy!" Vivian squealed, rushing forward.

Time slowed as Ryan stared at Rancy. Her pale face brightened. "Vivi!" She squirmed, wanting to be put down.

Cedric’s grip tightened possessively around her—his daughter—as he glanced warily at Serena and Ryan. "We need to go, Serena. Rancy needs rest."

Vivian pulled a stuffed bunny from her backpack. "I brought Hoppy—he makes me feel better when I’m sick." 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Cedric looked ready to refuse, but Rancy reached for the toy eagerly. "Hoppy!"

Serena intervened, taking the bunny and handing it to Rancy. "Thank you, Vivian. Rancy will take good care of him, right, sweetheart?"

Rancy nodded, clutching the bunny. "Thank you, Vivi."

Ryan knelt to Vivian’s level, using the moment to study Rancy closer. The resemblance was undeniable—her nose, jaw, ears, all Serena. But those gray-blue eyes? Undoubtedly Blackwood.

"We should let Rancy rest," he told Vivian gently. "We can visit when she’s better."

Cedric tensed, knuckles white. "That won’t be necessary."

Serena touched his arm lightly. "We’ll discuss this later. Rancy needs to go home."

Ryan stood, locking eyes with Serena. "Of course. Another time."

As they left, Vivian called out, "Feel better soon, Rancy!"

Rancy waved over Cedric’s shoulder, still clutching the bunny.

Back in the car, Ryan’s mind raced with plans. If Rancy was indeed his and Serena’s daughter, Cedric had committed a heinous crime—one that demanded punishment.