Ashford P. O. V

I knew there was going to be big trouble the moment I walked into the grand hall. Samantha was sitting there quietly, not bothering to look up or acknowledge that I had entered the room.

Ryan, on the other hand, was seated in his usual spot at the head table, his shoulders tense and I could see that he was clearly struggling to keep his cool.

I pulled up a chair at the edge of the table and sat next to Samantha, but still there was no reaction from either of them. I cleared my throat loudly, trying to lighten the mood.

"I can see you...