Ashford's P.O.V.
I knew there was going to be trouble the moment I stepped into the grand hall.
Samantha sat quietly, not bothering to look up or acknowledge that I had just entered the room.
Ryan, on the other hand, was seated in his usual spot at the head table, his shoulders tense, and I could clearly see that he was 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 two have already met." I said, chuckling dryly.
Ryan straightened up in his seat, his eyes locked on us. “If you'll excuse us, we have private matters to attend to. You can wait in the side hall for now”.
I stood up quickly, expecting to be
