Briony let out a cold laugh. “Honestly, the thought that I raised a child for you and Rosita for five years makes me sick.”
Stewart slammed on the brakes.
The screech of tires cut through the night.
The Maybach stopped at the side of the road.
“Briony, Irwin really sees you as his mother,” Stewart said, meeting her gaze in the rearview mirror. “Don’t you think that’s a little harsh?”
Briony looked away, her hand tightening at her side. She knew Irwin was innocent–she’d never once taken her anger out on him. But tonight, she had to say what needed to be said.
Her face remained cold. “I’m just telling the truth.”
Stewart let out a derisive snort, his handsome face shadowed with anger. He was about to speak when his phone rang.
It was Rosita.
He hesitated, then answered. “Rosita… Don’t worry, I’ll be home soon.”
When the call ended, Stewart turned toward Briony. But before he could say a word, she spoke.
“Unlock the door. I’m getting out.”
Stewart pressed his lips together in frustration, but said nothing. He unlocked the doors.
Briony pushed open the door and stepped out of the car.
The door shut, and the Maybach pulled away into the darkness.
Briony’s lips curled into a cold, bitter smile. No matter how much she said, it would never mean as much as a single word from Rosita.
Stella was right–no one in Northborough had luck like Rosita.
It wasn’t far from downtown. Briony took out her phone to call a ride.
Suddenly, headlights flashed in front of her, harsh and blinding. She shielded her eyes with her hand.
A black Range Rover slowed to a stop beside her.
The driver’s door swung open, and a young man with sharp, striking features stepped out. He slammed the door with a thud, anger written all over his face.
“Briony!”
He was tall and lean, dressed in casual clothes, and his face was good enough for a magazine cover–if he weren’t glaring at her.
Briony stared at him, frowning slightly, uncertain. “You’re… James?”
James let out a short, incredulous laugh. “Well, look who remembers me! I half expected you to pick me up from the airport after the holidays–if you even showed up at all!”
Briony was silent for a moment, then said, “I texted you.”
“Oh, a text, huh?” James bristled. “It’s my first time in Northborough! No matter how busy you are, you should have made sure someone was there for me. Briony, you’re unbelievable! You’re the most unreliable person l know! No wonder the professor hasn’t spoken to you in five years–he couldn’t stand you!”
Briony pressed her lips together, guilt flickering across her face. She gave a sincere apology. “You’re right. It
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Chapter 48
was my mistake. I promise it won’t happen again.”
James was caught off guard by how quickly she apologized.
He hadn’t even finished yelling at her!
Then, as he glanced at her, he caught sight of the angry red marks around her neck.
His brow furrowed. “What…what happened to you?”
Briony didn’t feel like playing the victim, nor was she in the habit of sharing private matters with people she barely knew. “Something came up, that’s all. But don’t worry–it won’t affect my work.”
“That’s not what I meant…” James rubbed the back of his head, sighing. “Forget it. It’s not like this is the first time you’ve let me down.”
Just then, his stomach gave a loud, unmistakable growl.
Briony glanced at his stomach, one eyebrow raised. “To make it up to you, how about I buy you something to eat?”
James was practically starving, but tried to hide it behind a mask of pride. “Fine. Since you’re so sincerely apologizing, I’ll let you.”
Briony put away her phone. “You drive, I’ll tell you where to go.”
About ten minutes later, Briony and James arrived at the local food district.
The place was buzzing with people–famous for its late–night eats, it was a favorite haunt for foodies, and Briony and Stella would sometimes come here together.
It was packed, but they managed to find a table.
Briony asked James what he wanted.
He said he felt like having fondue.
So she led him to a cozy fondue place she often visited.
They found a seat and sat down.
Not far away, Jason was just biting into a piece of beef his girlfriend had picked out for him when he glanced up–and spotted Briony across the restaurant.
He froze, staring at the guy sitting opposite her.
James?!
Wasn’t that the genius kid who’d just been featured on national television?
Briony…how did she get mixed up with someone like that?
Jason immediately pulled out his phone, snapped a photo of Briony and James, and sent it to his group chat with Stewart, Cedric, and Rosita.
Jason: [Looks like Mack’s full of surprises. Even someone like James is hanging around her now!]
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