Chapter 194

Author's POV Kane Blackwood paced his office like a caged animal, his patience wearing dangerously thin. Days had passed without Lucian making any move against Ryan, despite the carefully planted witnesses. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded of his subordinate. "Has West even met with our people?" "His assistant interviewed them, sir, but West himself hasn't made direct contact." Kane cursed under his breath. "So he didn't meet them personally?" "No, sir." Kane's jaw tightened as he considered the implications. His carefully orchestrated plan was failing to gain traction. West was too cautious, too methodical. "Has West been in contact with Ryan? Or with Serena?" Kane asked, his voice sharp with suspicion. The subordinate shook his head. "We've been monitoring all communications as instructed. There's been no contact. Celestial Gems seems fully focused on their Jewelry Season preparations and their expansion into the domestic market." Rather than reassuring Kane, this information