Chapter 34 LINGERING MOMENT!

RONAN'S POV

I arrived back at the estate after a long day, my mind still spinning from the conversation with Becky earlier. I parked my car and sat there for a moment, debating whether I should head inside or just skip the whole thing. But the thought of Becky’s hopeful smile, and Liora’s disappointment if I didn’t show, kept me from driving away.

I grabbed the bottle of wine I had picked up on the way home, a peace offering of sorts, and walked toward Liora’s place. The sun was just beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the estate. I could hear faint laughter and music coming from inside as I approached the door.

Before I could knock, the door swung open, and I found myself face-to-face with a guy I didn’t recognize. He looked me up and down, clearly sizing me up, before stepping aside to let me in.

“Ronan, right?” he asked with a grin. “Becky told us you were coming. I’m Max, an old friend of Liora’s from college and I happen to reside here at Ravenwood.”