Chapter 232

Serena’s POV I stared at the grand Quinn family estate, my heart racing as Zoe gently guided me from the car. Everything felt surreal—these people were my family? Eleanor immediately positioned herself between Ryan and me, giving him the fakest smile I'd ever seen. "Mr. Blackwood, today is a Quinn family reunion," she said with chilling politeness. "As an outsider, your presence isn't appropriate. Please leave." I watched Ryan's expression darken slightly, but he controlled himself well. For my sake, I knew. He'd swallowed his pride many times today. "Just take good care of Serena," he said evenly. "I'll come back for her later." Zoe turned around, her voice colder than ice. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Blackwood. Serena is the third daughter of the Quinn family. Her place is here with us. Whether you return to New York or stay in London makes no difference to us." Poor Ethan—I could see him wanting to smooth things over, but one sharp glance from Zoe had him shrinking back. I felt ca