Chapter 172: Chapter Hundred And Seventy Two

Ryan groaned playfully, rolling his eyes in mock frustration. "Always on time," he muttered, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Enter, Davis."

Davis opened the door, his expression apologetic. "I’m sorry to disturb you, Your Grace," he said, his gaze shifting between Ryan and Suzy. "But there are messages to reply, signatures to sign, deals to approve. It’s past the time to get ready, Your Grace."

Ryan sighed, but his expression remained lighthearted. "Very well then," he said, turning to Suzy and noticing the fleeting shadow of disappointment that crossed her face. He quickly turned back to Davis. "Just bring everything here," he instructed. "I’ll do that here. I promised Her Grace I’d be spending the rest of the day by her side." He looked at Suzy, and saw her face light up with joy. He continued, "Bring the Duchess’s work here too."

"Of course, Your Grace," Davis replied, bowing slightly. "And there’s also an important letter to attend to."

Ryan sighed dramatically, throwing his hands up in mock exasperation. "Of course there is," he said, his voice laced with playful resignation. "Just put it on the table, Davis. I’ll get to it later."

Davis nodded, placing the letter on the bedside table. He bowed again and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

Ryan turned back to Suzy, his expression softening. "As I was saying," he continued, his voice low and intimate, "I’m staying here with you today." He gave her a playful grin. "Even if Davis tries to stop me."

Suzy, her earlier disappointment completely forgotten, reached out and took his finger, gently kissing the tip. "I’m glad," she said, her voice filled with warmth. The rain continued to fall outside, creating a cozy atmosphere in the room.

Davis returned shortly, carrying a stack of papers and documents. He placed them carefully on the nearby table, organizing them neatly. "Is there anything else, Your Grace?" he asked.

"Yes," Ryan replied, his gaze still fixed on Suzy. "Tell the maids to prepare a bath for us. And have breakfast brought up. We don’t want to be disturbed."

Davis bowed. "Certainly, Your Grace." He turned to leave, but Suzy stopped him.

"Davis," she called out, her voice thoughtful. "Where is Isabella?"

Davis turned back, his expression slightly hesitant. "She is getting ready to leave for a tea party she was invited to, Your Grace."

Suzy’s brow furrowed slightly. "Have a guard follow her," she instructed. "For her safety."

Davis nodded. "Certainly, Your Grace," he said, bowing again before finally leaving the room.

Suzy turned to Ryan, her eyes filled with a silent question. He was looking at her, his expression soft, almost starstruck.

"What?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Ryan shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "Nothing," he murmured, his voice low. "Just wondering what would have happened to me if I hadn’t married you."

Suzy smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "You tease," she said, her voice light.

Their conversation was interrupted by a series of knocks on the door. "Who’s there?" Ryan called out, his voice booming.

"We are here to perform our morning duties, Your Grace," a voice replied.

"Enter," Ryan instructed.

A group of maids entered the room, their movements orderly and effective. They began setting their breakfast on a small table near the window, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries filling the air. Others prepared the bath, filling the tub with steaming water and adding fragrant oils. A few more maids arranged their clothes, laying out clean linens and selecting appropriate attire for the day.

They worked quickly and quietly, their movements conventional. Once they had finished their tasks, they bowed respectfully and left the room, leaving Ryan and Suzy alone once more.

Ryan looked at Suzy, a playful glint in his eyes. "Shall we?" he asked, gesturing towards the steaming bath.

Suzy nodded, a soft smile gracing her lips. They entered the bathing room, the warm, fragrant air enveloping them. They slipped into the tub, the water soothing their tired muscles. Suzy leaned back against Ryan’s chest, her body relaxing against his. He gently began to wash her hair, his fingers massaging her scalp, his touch light and soothing. Rogue curls tangled around his fingers, but Suzy couldn’t care less, the gentle ministrations lulling her into a state of blissful relaxation.

After washing her hair, they remained in the tub, the silence between them comfortable and companionable. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of the water and the soft rhythm of their breathing. Ryan broke the silence, his voice low and thoughtful. "So," he began, "what clues did you find that prompted you to start your investigation?"

Suzy turned slightly, her gaze meeting his. "Doris’s death revealed something to me," she replied, her voice quiet.

"What?" Ryan asked, his curiosity piqued.

Suzy turned to face him fully, her eyes serious. "Doris said the person who instructed her wore the Blackmore family ring," she explained. "And I saw that same ring, covered in blood, in my room around the same time Doris was attacked. She lied about slipping and hitting her head on the tub. I’m sure she wanted to back off, and they threatened her."

Ryan’s brow furrowed. "Where’s the ring now?" he asked.

"It’s missing," Suzy replied, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"Did you see a name on the ring?" Ryan asked. "Each ring has a name engraved inside the band."

"No," Suzy admitted, her cheeks flushing slightly. "It didn’t cross my mind to check."

Ryan pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace. He kissed her forehead gently. "Well done, my intelligent wife," he murmured, his voice filled with affection.

"I suspect it’s Evan," Suzy said, her voice low.

"I also think so," Ryan agreed. "When we were drawing close to him, he planted fake evidence to turn the court against me and kick me out of the investigation to get me off his back. And he killed the only witness that could expose him, and still look good in the sight of the king."

Suzy looked at Ryan, her eyes filled with concern. "This evidence isn’t enough to arrest him, right?" she asked.

Ryan nodded. "No," he replied. "But it’s a stepping stone for me. Thank you." He leaned in and kissed her again, his lips lingering on hers. " You have given me something to work with."

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by Aunomay Read