Chapter 60: Chapter Sixty

A deep breath filled Suzy's lungs as she stood outside Ryan's study door. The polished oak glinted in the dim hallway light, adding to the air of formality, or rather, coldness, that seemed to emanate from the room itself. She had freshened up after the dance lesson, the memory of Ryan's intense stare still lingering in her mind. Now, dressed in a simple yet elegant blue dress, she faced a new challenge – confronting Ryan in his own domain.

Suzy raised her hand, her fist hovering above the brass knocker.  Hesitation gnawed at her.  What did he want to discuss? Why did she feel so on edge? And why did his request feel so… ominous?

Taking a deep breath, she rapped on the door with a firm knock.  The silence that followed seemed to stretch on forever.  Just when she began to think he wasn't there, a deep, emotionless voice echoed from within.

"Enter."