CEO's Regret After I Divorced-Chapter 380 Simple Question

I pushed Cedric away just as his lips were about to touch mine, my heart racing wildly against my ribcage. "I need to get back to work," I blurted out, scrambling for any excuse to escape the moment. My hands were trembling slightly as I gathered my things, desperately needing space to breathe.

"I’m heading to pick up Rancy from her new preschool," Cedric said casually, as if he hadn’t just tried to kiss me. "She’s adjusting quite well there."

"I have to go," I mumbled, practically running from him.

Back at Elegant Realm, I hurried into my office, trying to compose myself. My mind was still reeling from everything—the DNA results, Cedric’s presumptuous behavior. Sally followed me in almost immediately, concern etched across her face.

"Where did that Quinn woman take you? She didn’t give you trouble, did she?" she asked, hovering anxiously.

I shook my head, sighing as the weight of the day pressed down on my shoulders. "She took me to the hospital for a DNA test."

Sally’s eyes widened to saucers. "And? What were the results?"

"I’m not Serena Quinn," I said flatly, the words still strange on my tongue. Who was I, then, if not who I thought I was? The question had been haunting me since leaving the hospital.

"Oh!" Sally looked confused, processing this bombshell. Then suspicion flickered across her face. "Wait, why was Mr. Lancaster dropping you off just now?"

"He happened to be at the hospital too." I rubbed my throbbing temples, not wanting to delve into how conveniently Cedric always seemed to appear. "Sally, did you resolve everything about Fashion Week?"

"Yes, don’t worry. I’ve settled things with Mr. Alvin. Elegant Realm didn’t suffer any losses. But about your injuries..."

"I’m fine," I cut her off, even though my body ached and my head felt like it might split open. "Please tell Mr. Alvin not to worry."

Sally nodded reluctantly. "Serena, are you really okay? With everything that’s happened lately, maybe you should take some time off?"

"The studio needs me," I said, sighing. "Besides, what good would resting do? I’d rather keep busy." Work was my sanctuary, the one place where I still felt in control. "Now that the DNA test is done, the Quinns and Ryan should finally leave me alone. Make sure the front desk and security know not to let them in anymore."

Sally immediately agreed, her protective instincts flaring. "If they try to bother you again after this, they’ll have to deal with me first! It’s absolutely outrageous how they keep disrupting your life."

"I need some quiet time, Sally. We’ll talk later, okay?"

Sally gave me one last worried look before leaving. "Alright, I’ll get back to work."

Once alone, I sank into my chair, exhaustion washing over me. Against my better judgment, I found myself searching online for information about the Quinns.

LUXE had been a cornerstone in the jewelry industry for decades. Besides Serena and Ethan Quinn, their two other sisters were successful in different fields, both living abroad. Clearly, Zoe had returned specifically for this situation.

Something didn’t add up. If Zoe had anticipated these DNA results, why insist on the test? It made no sense.

And if Ryan wanted me as a replacement for his wife as Cedric claimed, why would Serena’s own family participate in such a scheme? While LUXE might not be as powerful as Blackwood Enterprises, surely they weren’t entirely under Ryan’s thumb.

Then there was Maya, supposedly Serena’s best friend. Why would she conspire with Ryan? The logic fell apart at every turn.

My phone rang, interrupting my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and immediately answered.

"Hello, teacher?"

"Rancy’s mom? Rancy has a stomachache and she threw up at preschool."

"What?" My heart lurched into my throat. I grabbed my purse and was already heading for the door. "Did she eat something she shouldn’t have? Her stomach is sensitive—she can’t have too many cold foods."

"She had a little ice cream this afternoon, but not much."

I bit my lip, worry flooding through me. "I understand. I’ll be there right away."

"You don’t need to rush, Mrs. Rancy’s mom. Mr. Lancaster already took Rancy to the hospital. He asked me to let you know."

"Thank you for calling," I managed to say, ending the call.

I immediately dialed Cedric, my fingers trembling slightly.

"Rancy’s at the hospital," he said before I could speak. His voice was surprisingly gentle. "The doctor checked her—it’s just a common stomach bug. With the weather changing, kids get sick easily."

I exhaled, some of my tension easing. "Which hospital are you at? I’m coming now."

"I’ll text you the address."

Traffic was awful, of course. By the time I reached the hospital, nearly an hour had passed. I rushed to the room number Cedric had sent, my heart pounding with worry.

Rancy lay in the hospital bed, her little face pale and drawn, making her look even smaller than her two and a half years. My poor baby.

"Rancy, how are you feeling? Does it hurt?" I asked softly, stroking her hair.

"Mama here," she mumbled, her bottom lip quivering. She reached for me with her tiny hand.

"Don’t cry, sweetie," I whispered, kissing her forehead. "You’re my brave girl. When the weather gets cold, we need to be careful with ice cream, okay?" I kept my voice gentle, knowing she wouldn’t fully understand, but hoping the tone would comfort her.

"You’re so smart and strong. You’ll feel better soon, I promise."

Instead of nodding like she usually did, tears welled up in her big eyes.

"Mama go ’way?" she asked, her little voice breaking. "No want Daddy? No want Rancy?"

Her simple question shattered my heart.