Chapter 290

Serena’s POV
The crowd parted as Silas Parker made his way toward us.
“Mrs. Serena Quinn-Blackwood,” Silas announced loudly enough for nearby guests to hear. “What an unexpected pleasure. I didn’t think you’d actually honor us with your presence.”
His tone made it clear my attendance was anything but a pleasure. The calculated gleam in his eyes told me he’d been counting on it.
Ethan’s smile never reached his eyes as he responded. “Mr. Parker specifically sent invitations to the Quinn family. How could we possibly decline such a… thoughtful gesture?”
“Though we weren’t aware,” I added smoothly, “that someone exiled from the Quinn family had suddenly become so chummy with the Parkers. When exactly did that fascinating development occur?”
Edward fixed his cold gaze on Ethan, his lip curling with disdain. “Is this how Liam raised his children? To address their elders without proper respect? Disgraceful.”
Ethan let out a contemptuous laugh. “Someone thrown out of the family by our grandfather dares to call himself our elder? That’s rich.”
He turned to me with theatrical disbelief. “Sis, isn’t this absurd?”
“Completely absurd,” I agreed, meeting Edward’s glare with unflinching calm.
Edward’s complexion darkened to an unhealthy shade of red.
“I was forced out because of Liam’s machinations,” he announced, voice rising strategically to ensure everyone could hear. “He envied my abilities and feared our father would favor me. He orchestrated my downfall out of jealousy.”
He turned to address the watching crowd directly. “Many of you have known me for decades. Who among you doesn’t remember how I transformed Quinn Enterprises in my youth? Ask yourselves who was really responsible for the company’s initial success.”
The murmurs started immediately, exactly as he’d planned.
“Edward was brilliant in those early days
“The Quinn fortunes certainly rose under his leadership before Liam took control
“Eleanor only started running operations recently, and then that brother of hers stepped in
Edward’s face reflected satisfied victory. He’d clearly been planting these seeds for weeks, cultivating doubt like a precious garden.
I felt Ryan’s hand at the small of my back, a silent reminder of his support. Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, my voice cutting through the whispers.
“Are we really accepting baseless accusations as truth now?” I asked, my tone crisp with authority. “Edward was expelled from Quinn Enterprises by my grandfather himself—not my father. That’s documented fact, not family gossip.”
I turned to face the crowd directly. “Everyone in this room knows the Quinn and Parker families have been rivals for generations. Yet here stands my uncle, newly returned to London and immediately aligned with our oldest competitors.” I raised an eyebrow. “And we’re meant to take his word as gospel?”
The silence that followed was delicious. Guests exchanged uncertain glances, suddenly reconsidering the narrative they’d been so eager to believe moments before.
Edward and Silas exchanged a look of barely concealed fury. They hadn’t expected me to counter so effectively.
“Uncle Edward,” I continued, emphasizing the family title with exquisite politeness, “out of respect for your age, I’ll address you as family today. But perhaps you could explain to us ’disrespectful youngsters’ why you’re suddenly best friends with the man who’s spent decades trying to destroy our family business?”
Edward’s jaw tightened, the muscles visibly working beneath his skin. The standoff stretched uncomfortably until I broke it with a calculated smile.
“Since we’re airing family matters publicly,” I continued, “allow me to address the rumors circulating about my father. These absurd claims about him harming relatives to seize control of the company have left everyone at Quinn Enterprises utterly baffled.”
I met Edward’s gaze directly. “The truth is considerably less dramatic. Edward was expelled from Quinn Enterprises because he misappropriated company funds for a high-risk investment venture that my grandfather fortunately discovered before it bankrupted us all.”
I kept my voice steady, my posture relaxed. “Edward’s ambition has always exceeded his ethics. That’s why he was removed—not because of some melodramatic conspiracy.”
“You dare!” Edward snarled. “You make these accusations without a shred of evidence. That’s slander, Serena.”
“Interesting,” I replied coolly. “When accusations come from your mouth, they’re truth, but when I speak, it’s slander? Your double standard is showing, Uncle.”
Scattered laughter rippled through the crowd. I caught Ethan’s appreciative smirk from the corner of my eye. Ryan remained stone-faced beside me, but I sensed his approval in the way he stood slightly closer.
Edward, realizing he was losing control of the narrative, abandoned all pretense of civility.
“I won’t stoop to arguing with a child,” he spat. “Your grandfather’s will was legally verified and witnessed. The lawyer present can testify to everything I’ve claimed.”
His smug expression told me this had been his plan all along—to ambush us at a public event where we’d be vulnerable, surrounded by industry peers. He’d brought receipts, while assuming we’d come unprepared.
“How convenient,” I replied, not bothering to hide my disdain. “You came fully armed for battle at someone else’s wedding. Tell me, Uncle Edward, is this really the venue you’ve chosen for a family confrontation? Are we meant to summon lawyers and examine documents between the first dance and the cake cutting?”
From across the room, I spotted Elena emerging from the ladies’ room, her eyes widening as she realized the entire reception had congregated around our little drama.
She shrieked, shoving through her guests. “How dare you! This is MY wedding day! If you continue disrupting my celebration, I’ll have security remove you immediately!”
I turned to Elena with the warmest smile I could muster. “You’re absolutely right, Elena. Today is your special day, and we’re all here to celebrate you. We’re guests bearing good wishes, not troublemakers.”
Then I pivoted toward Edward, my expression hardening. “It seems you’ll need to pack away your little performance, Uncle. Elena is threatening to have you removed, and that would be terribly embarrassing for someone who’s only just returned to London society, wouldn’t it? Being ejected from the Parker wedding would hardly help your credibility.”
Edward’s face contorted with rage, but he was trapped by social convention.
I took Ryan’s arm casually, as though this entire confrontation had been nothing more than a minor inconvenience. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, I believe my fiancé promised me a dance.”