Chapter 96
Just as Ryan and Cassandra were speaking, a commotion erupted at the entrance of Royal Skyline Tower.
A line of security guards emerged first, followed by a large wave of reporters armed with long lenses and cameras. Then came the police, firefighters, and crisis negotiators.
Finally, at the center of it all, a man and a woman appeared. They were escorted by security on all sides.
“They’re out! They’re out!” someone shouted.
The crowd surged forward in excitement immediately. Everyone was pushing in for a better view, except Ryan and Cassandra, who remained standing quietly where they were.
Their three dogs, sensing their owner’s mood, didn’t misbehave. Instead, they sat obediently by Cassandra’s side, pressing against her legs for warmth.
A black sedan slowly pulled up to the roadside. Harold stepped out quickly and rushed forward to shield Cameron and Annabelle, helping the police clear a path.
As the group passed by, the crowd jostled forward. Cassandra stumbled, but Ryan reacted swiftly, pulling her into his arms.
He wrapped a hand protectively behind her head and gently pressed her face into his chest.
“Don’t look,” he whispered.
The world around them roared with noise, but all Cassandra could see was the faint weave of his shirt pressed against her cheek.
Then, cutting through the chaos, she heard Cameron’s voice. “Please let us through. Thank you.”
A policeman added, “Mrs. Dorsey needs to go to the hospital for a checkup. Please clear the exit. Thank you for your cooperation.”
The voices came closer, then gradually faded into the distance. After a long while, Cassandra quietly asked, “Are they gone?”
“Not yet,” Ryan replied. “The road’s jammed with people who stopped to watch. Cameron’s car can’t get through. The police went ahead on their motorcycles to clear the traffic.”
“Where’s their car?” she asked.
“Right beside us.”
Without realizing it, Cassandra’s hand had tightened around the fabric of Ryan’s shirt at his waist. He felt her grip and gently stroked her hair. “It’s okay. I’ve got you. He won’t see you.”
H
Chapter
A few minutes later, the road finally cleared. The sound of the engine roared and slowly faded away until it disappeared completely.
Cassandra loosened her grip and stepped back slightly, putting some distance between herself and Ryan. He glanced at her face and said gently, I thought you’d cry.”
She shook her head. “I won’t cry. He’s the one who lost something precious, not me. Why should I cry?”
Ryan nodded. “You’re right. He lost a good woman. If anyone should cry, it’s him.”
Ryan didn’t drive them back. Westwood Hotel wasn’t far, and he figured the short walk might help Cassandra collect her thoughts.
When they arrived at the hotel, Lilian was already waiting in the lobby. She began, “Mr. Scott, just now at Royal Skyline Tower-”
“We were just there,” Ryan calmly said.
Lilian looked slightly surprised. “What should we do now?”
“Have the kitchen prepare a late–night meal and send it up to Cassandra’s room. She hasn’t eaten anything all afternoon.”
“Understood,” Lilian replied.
“And no matter who asks, just say that she’s not at the hotel,” Ryan added. “I don’t want anyone disturbing her over the next few days.”
“Not even Ms. Graham?” Lilian asked, looking for clarification.
“Daisy’s been busy, too. But if she happens to see the news and asks, just say that Cassandra is resting and needs some quiet.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Meanwhile, Cassandra had walked to Daisy’s room with the dogs‘ leashes in hand. But as she stood outside the door, she suddenly remembered that Ryan had given her a complimentary
room.
She turned around and headed to the front desk, intending to book the cheapest standard room with her money.
