Chapter 230 - Two Hundred And Thirty
The private study was bathed in the warm afternoon light, but Ryan barely noticed. He stood before a gilded mirror, carefully adjusting the set of his dark blue superfine coat, ensuring it lay perfectly over his tailored waistcoat and crisp white cravat. His dark hair, usually styled with a degree of casual elegance, was today arranged with particular neatness. On his desk, beside a stack of work papers he’d been attending to, lay a small, beautifully wrapped gift – a delicate silver locket he’d commissioned, engraved with a tiny wildflower, Suzy’s favorite flower. He intended to give it to her at the orphanage jubilee, a small token of his love and appreciation for all her hard work.
Davis entered the study, his footsteps quiet on the thick carpet. "Your Grace, the carriage is ready and waiting downstairs," he announced.
Ryan turned, a faint smile touching his lips. He picked up the small gift, his fingers brushing the silk ribbon. "Excellent, Davis. Let’s go." He was looking forward to seeing Suzy, to witnessing the joy on the children’s faces at the jubilee she had poured so much heart into.
As they walked down the grand main staircase of Carleton Hall, its polished banister gleaming, Ryan’s thoughts were full of anticipation. "Do you think the charity auction would be concluded by now, Davis?" he asked, his steps light.
Davis, following a respectful pace behind, considered for a moment. "Yes, Your Grace. Given the usual duration, I believe Her Grace will most likely be with the children at the orphanage grounds as we speak, overseeing the final jubilee preparations."
"Good," Ryan murmured, imagining Suzy’s happy, bustling energy. "She deserves every success today."
They reached the expansive entrance hall, sunlight streaming through the tall, arched doorway. But the scene that greeted them was far from the peaceful departure Ryan had envisioned. Stumbling towards them, his face pale and contorted with pain, was Noah. He was disheveled, his uniform torn and dirtied. He clutched his left arm tightly, and he was limping badly, each step a clear agony. Bruises were already darkening on his cheek and temple.
"Noah!" Ryan exclaimed, his smile vanishing as he rushed forward, Davis at his heels.
"Good heavens, man, what happened to you?" Davis asked.