Chapter 85

Serena’s POV
When I got the call from Mrs. Blackwood, I hesitated to answer. I still remembered those outrageous things she said when Ivy announced her pregnancy.
Now that my belly was visibly growing day by day, suddenly she was being extraordinarily nice to me.
At the end of the day, it wasn’t me she cared about—it was the Blackwood bloodline growing inside me.
“Why aren’t you answering? Is it Ryan?” Maya asked.
I shook my head. “It’s his grandmother.”
“That old witch? Don’t even bother with her. None of those Blackwood people have good intentions,” Maya said, snatching my phone and placing it on the far end of the sofa where the vibration was barely audible.
“There, problem solved. Now go take a shower,” she said, handing me a brand new set of pajamas. “They’re clean. I haven’t even worn them yet—lucky you.”
I nodded and took them, heading to the bathroom.
The warm water felt good against my skin, easing some of the tension in my lower back that had been plaguing me since the pregnancy started showing.
I closed my eyes, trying not to think about the Blackwoods or Sophie or any of the drama that seemed to follow me no matter how far I ran.
I didn’t stay long though—standing too long made my legs wobbly these days.
When I emerged, toweling my hair dry, I spotted Maya coming in from the balcony, quickly shutting the door behind her.
“That was quick,” she said.
“My legs get weak if I stand too long,” I replied, immediately noticing my phone in her hand. “Did you answer my call?”
“Why are you getting worked up? Have you forgotten how that old hag treated you?” Maya gave me a disapproving look, putting the phone back on the sofa.
“I’m not upset,” I clarified, “I just wanted to know what she wanted.”
Maya rolled her eyes. “What do you think? She wants you to come see her, of course. Don’t tell me you actually want to go?”
“Did you say anything that might upset her?” I asked carefully. “She’s old, you know. She might not handle stress well.”
“Don’t worry, I didn’t say much—just told her she had the wrong number. She’s getting old, with failing eyesight. Misdialing happens.”
I sighed. “My number is saved in her contacts. How could she misdial?”
Maya scoffed, “I just can’t stand how the Blackwoods treat you. That Sophie woman openly provokes you, and you’re still willing to just take it? Serena, is there water in your brain or something?”
I was used to my best friend’s scolding by now. And honestly, I did think there was something wrong with me for even considering going to the Blackwood mansion to check things out.
“Whatever, let’s just go to sleep,” I said, drying my hair and slipping under the covers. My body was exhausted, and I didn’t have the energy to deal with drama.
I hadn’t slept long when Maya’s phone started ringing. The sound woke both of us up. Maya, who has terrible morning temper, cursed loudly before grabbing her phone.
It was an unknown number.
She rolled up her sleeve, prepared to unleash hell if it was a spam call.
“Who the hell is this? Are you sick in the head?” she barked into the phone.
The voice on the other end went silent for a moment before replying in an ice-cold tone: “Grandmother is seriously ill.”
Maya froze, recognizing Ryan’s voice immediately. I was still groggy, but the words “seriously ill” jolted me awake.
“Put Serena on the phone. I need to talk to her,” Ryan demanded.
Maya reluctantly handed me the phone.
“What happened?” I asked, my face growing colder with each word Ryan spoke. After a few short responses, I hung up.
Maya was still fuming, she couldn’t help asking, “Did he ask you to go back?”
I nodded. “Grandmother has fallen suddenly ill, and it has nothing to do with what you did. The doctor says her condition is serious.”
“She’s old. If she doesn’t make it through this time, I should go there at least once, to pay my respects,” I said quietly.
Maya frowned but couldn’t argue with that. An elderly person’s grave illness was indeed solemn news.
“Serena, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have answered your phone without permission.”
I sighed. “Maya, I know you were looking out for me. I don’t blame you. And don’t worry—Grandmother’s condition isn’t something a few angry words could cause. This must be the result of years of accumulated issues.”
Maya felt relieved hearing my words.
When I arrived at the Blackwood mansion, the place was eerily quiet.The butler sighed heavily as he explained what had happened the previous night.
“Madam hasn’t been well for some time now. She’s been taking medicine and getting injections, but nothing seems to work. Last night, something happened—she suddenly collapsed. Acute distress, they said.”
I had been skeptical before coming, wondering if this was some kind of trap. But hearing this, I started to believe it was genuine.
Then I saw the doctor descending the grand staircase, his expression grim as he addressed Ryan.
“Mr. Blackwood, your grandmother’s condition stems from a chronic ailment exacerbated by her age and weakened immunity. She’s been harboring emotional stress for quite some time, which likely contributed to this episode. There were probably warning signs you missed.”
The doctor sighed heavily. “The fever has subsided temporarily, but she’s delirious, talking nonsense. I’m afraid… the situation looks quite serious.”
“If we could alleviate the source of her distress, her recovery chances would improve significantly,” the doctor added meaningfully.
“Are you certain you’re not exaggerating?” Ryan questioned sharply.
The doctor looked offended. “Mr. Blackwood, I wouldn’t dare lie about something this serious. If you doubt my assessment, please consult other physicians. If their conclusions differ, I’ll never set foot in this house again.”
Ryan remained silent, but after escorting the doctor out, he immediately arranged for two additional trusted physicians to examine his grandmother.
As I watched him make these arrangements, I began to understand.
Evelyn Blackwood’s illness was rooted in her concern for her son—this sudden collapse was likely a calculated move to pressure Ryan into bringing his uncle back.
The old lady was playing a ruthless game. Now the question was: would Ryan be ruthless enough to resist?