Chapter 19 - Nineteen
Following Clara’s directions, she finally reached a heavy oak door adorned with the Carleton family crest. This must be it, Ryan’s study.
With a deep breath, Suzy pushed open the door, stepping into a dimly lit room lined with towering bookshelves. The scent of old leather and parchment filled the air, creating an atmosphere of studious quiet. She glanced around, hoping to find Ryan, but the room was empty.
Suzy, relieved that Ryan wasn’t there yet, decided to wait. She moved towards the desk, her curiosity getting the better of her. A stack of parchment scrolls lay open, revealing meticulously penned names and titles. Some of the names were highlighted, while others were crossed out with a red slash. A shiver ran down Suzy’s spine. What were these lists? Who were these people? And why were some marked for exclusion?
Suddenly, a deep, angry voice shattered the silence, making Suzy jump in fright. "Cassandra!" Ryan’s voice boomed, laced with icy fury. "What are you doing in my study?"
Suzy whirled around, her heart hammering against her ribs. Ryan stood in the doorway, his face a mask of thunder. He strode into the room, his eyes flashing with a chilling intensity.
"I... I apologize, Your Grace," Suzy stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "I was just... looking for you." Panic clawed at her throat. She shouldn’t have been snooping in his private study.
But before she could formulate a proper explanation, Ryan was upon her. He grasped her arms, his grip tight enough to cause her pain, and pinned her against the wall. His face was inches from hers, his cold eyes burning with rage.
"What are you doing in my study?" he demanded, his voice laced with barely contained rage. "Didn’t Bradford tell you that no one is allowed in here?"
Suzy, trapped and frightened, felt a wave of defiance surge through her. She would not be intimidated, not anymore. She met his gaze with a newfound fire in her eyes. "I wanted to talk to you, Your Grace," she retorted, her voice surprisingly steady. "I was simply waiting for you. And I have something very important to ask."
For a moment, Ryan looked as if he might strike her then, but his expression softened, and he released her arm. But instead of moving away from her, he leaned forward and placed his lips close to her ear.
"Ask". He said his voice low and dangerous.