Sylvie and Ryan walked side by side down the wide staircase, their footsteps echoing softly against the marble. He moved slightly ahead of her, not rushing or dragging his feet either, just alert and controlled, as always.
When they reached the front door, Ryan stepped forward first and opened it, holding it steady until she passed.
"Thanks." she muttered, barely looking at him.
Outside, the sun was bright. They walked the long stretch toward the iron gates in silence, the gravel crunching beneath their shoes.
Sylvie broke it halfway.
"Do you by any chance have an idea who it could be?" she asked, glancing at him.
Ryan didn’t look at her. "No."
She exhaled through her nose. "Figured."
The gates came into view, tall and imposing as always. Two men stood just beyond them, dressed in
