The silence in the mansion, deep into the night, was thick — yet many remained wide awake.
Word spread just as quickly as news of Ashley's supposed escape attempt. With Nolan backing her up and even offering to submit his resignation in the morning, people were torn.
This had never happened before, and no one knew what tomorrow would bring.
As for Lucian, he dismissed the guards outside Ashley's room and stood before the door for several minutes. He contemplated what to do next, knowing the damage had already been done. And yet, a part of him still wanted to see her… no matter how shameless that sounded.
A moment later, he reached for the knob and quietly pushed the door open.
The instant he did, his gaze fell on the bed where she lay. Her back was facing him, asleep on her side.
He swallowed, his jaw tightening as he stepped inside.
As he approached, his steps slowed when his eyes landed on the chain wrapped around her ankle.
