Ashford's P.O.V.

Samantha sat quietly, not bothering to look up or acknowledge that I had just arrived.

Ryan, on the other hand, was seated in his usual spot at the head table, trying to keep his composure even though his shoulder was already tense.

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 see you two have already met," I said, chuckling dryly.

Ryan straightened up in his seat, looking straight at me. “If you'll excuse us, we have some private matters to attend to… You can wait in the side hall...