Chapter Forty

Sunlight streamed through the high windows of Ryan's study, casting a warm glow on the carefully organized papers spread across his desk.  He carefully scanned the guest list and the ball account Suzy had presented the previous night.  A grudging admiration tugged at the edges of his stoicism. Suzy, despite her stubbornness and annoying attitude, had carefully planned the event.  The guest list was complete, the finances in order, and a clear vision for the decorations and entertainment was outlined.

"Impressive," he murmured to himself, a flicker of surprise crossing his features.  He hadn't expected such thoroughness, especially in his absence.  Perhaps, his harsh judgments about Suzy needed some… revision.

Just then, a soft knock on the door interrupted his train of thought.  "Enter," he called out curtly.

The door creaked open, and Davis entered the room.  He held a small silver tray, on which rested two sealed letters.