#Chapter 53 – Dismissed

Damon The fire in my study had burned low, casting thin ribbons of amber across the desk. I didn’t need warmth tonight. I needed answers. Ronan arrived just after first bell, punctual as always, though I knew him well enough to spot the tension riding his spine. He shut the door behind him with quiet finality, then stepped forward and set a folder on the desk. “You’re not going to like it,” he said. I already didn’t based on his tone. I flipped open the cover, scanned the summary. My jaw clenched. A name that should’ve brought familiarity, not fury. I looked up slowly. “Explain.” Ronan’s voice remained even, but there was a tightness behind it. “One of the younger maids came forward. Said she also found gold under her cot. I traced everything.” My fingers curled around the edge of the folder. “Am I not paying them enough?” “She was afraid. She didn’t even realize the significance until she overheard one of the stewards mention the pin looked familiar. She’s too young to