Chapter 41 - Forty One
Suzy dipped her quill into the inkwell, carefully adding another dish to the elaborate menu for the upcoming ball. A sense of accomplishment bloomed in her chest. Poring over the Carleton ball books had been surprisingly fruitful. She’s almost done with the budgeting, guest etiquette, and even the logistics of food preparation for the ball.
Suddenly, a memory jolted her back to reality. Flipping through one of the books, she recalled a specific passage – the importance of hiring temporary staff for such grand events. Her smile faltered. She’d completely forgotten to factor that expense into the budget she’d presented to Ryan.
She had carefully planned the decorations, entertainment, and even the guest list, but the need for extra staff had completely slipped her mind. A wave of panic washed over her. How could she have forgotten such a crucial detail?
"Damn it!" she muttered, chewing on her lower lip. Ignoring this crucial detail wouldn’t do. Ryan, for all his stoicism, was careful about finances. He’d surely notice the mistake.
She grabbed a fresh sheet of parchment and a quill. Her mind raced as she began to list down the tasks that would require additional manpower – serving, cleaning, last-minute decorations, and managing the ballroom. The list grew longer with each passing moment, the enormity of her mistake settling in.
"I have to tell Ryan," she thought, her stomach churning with apprehension. She knew he wouldn’t be pleased, but there was no way she could hide this oversight. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself for the inevitable confrontation.
A frown creased Suzy’s brow as she clutched the list in her sweaty hand. Reaching Ryan’s study, she pushed open the door, only to find it empty. The room was bathed in the warm afternoon sun, the remnants of his work scattered across the desk. Disappointment gnawed at her.
"Just where has he gone off to now?" she muttered to herself.
Turning to leave, she bumped right into Davis, who was exiting the hallway opposite the study.