CHAPTER 53

My heart thumped in my chest as I walked closer to Ryan's office, every step feeling far stronger than the one before it. I became consumed with an aura of dissatisfaction that tore at me from the inside out. I had to be strong, though. My mom's security hinged on it. I opened the door to Ryan's office and looked around to see if he was there. With a chilly and cynical expression in his eyes, he was seated behind his desk.

"I'm here," I said, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. "I hope you're ready to fulfill your promise and release my mother."

Ryan's gaze flicked up to meet mine, his expression unreadable. "I didn't imprison your mother, Audrina," he said, his voice tinged with annoyance. "But if you want to see her, she's right outside."

My heart skipped a beat at his words, relief flooding through me like a tidal wave. Could it be true? Had my mother been here all along, just outside this very door?

Without waiting for a response, I hurried over to the door