CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

Silence stretched as Linda led her down the intricate hallways. The tension that hung in the air was palpable, and Ruby felt its suffocating clutches around her throat. The suspense of the situation was eating away at her, and she didn't think she could handle any more of it. "Linda." Her voice was as low as a whisper. No one was around, so she didn't know why she felt a need to talk softly. "What's going on? Has something happened?" Linda stopped by a door before turning to face her. "Everything is fine. Noah will handle everything when he gets here." Her voice held no doubt, but Ruby couldn't shake off the feeling that was slowly enveloping her. Linda gave her a smile—Ruby noticed it didn't reach her eyes before she pushed the door to a room. Ruby stepped in, taking in the space. It looked like a tea room, with a wooden glass coffee table in the center and chairs scattered around. Linda ushered her to a seat, urging her to wait for her return. Ruby nodded and sat down. She was a