Briony’s expression turned cold in an instant, but before she could say a word, Stella and James exploded first-
Stella snapped, “Stewart, have you no shame? You’re busy planning a wedding with Rosita, but at the same time you want to share a room with our Bryn? Honestly, you should change your last name. Stewart Ainsworth would suit you better–two–faced royalty!”
James chimed in, voice dripping with disdain, “Stewart, as a man, I honestly have nothing but contempt for you
Unfazed, Stewart barely spared them a glance, turning his attention to the front desk clerk. “Could you tell them about your family suite options, please?”
The clerk nodded politely. “Of course. Our family suites are private apartments, with two bedrooms and a living room Each bedroom has its own en–suite bathroom. There’s also a kitchen, two private balconies, and a laundry room.”
Stella and James fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words.
Stewart looked over at Briony, raising an eyebrow as if to say, “See?”
Briony frowned, but Stewart spoke up calmly and matter–of–factly. This trip was planned for Irwin. It’s for the three of us as a family. There’s no reason to split up.”
With Stewart’s straightforward explanation, Briony couldn’t find a reasonable objection.
Besides, it wasn’t like they’d be sharing a single bedroom. The doors would be locked at night, and everyone would sleep separately.
When they got to the suite, Stewart let Briony choose her room first.
She didn’t hesitate to pick the east–facing bedroom, which had the best light and the prettiest view
It was the master bedroom, complete with its own small balcony.
Briony brought her suitcase inside and took a few minutes to unpack. Then she slid open the glass door and stepped out onto the balcony.
The guesthouse was perched on a small hill, so from here she could see the whole spread of Azure Lake–tiny towns, clusters of cottages, the marina, golden fields–all scattered like hidden gems along the shore.
Just then, she heard the sound of another glass door sliding open from the adjacent balcony. “Bryn!” Stella called, stepping out from the next room. “So you picked the master bedroom too?” Seeing Stella instantly lightened Briony’s mood. “You did as well?”
“Of course!” Stella looked wistfully at the gap–just over two meters wide–between their balconies. “Shame they’re not a bit closer. If they were, I’d just climb over and crash in your
bed tonight!”
Briony couldn’t help but laugh at her. “I like it this way. We can sit out here together before bed, talk and enjoy the view.”
“True” Stella agreed, gazing into the distance. “Whatever else you say about this place, the scenery and fresh air are unbeatable! So, any plans for later?”
Briony shrugged lightly. “No idea. We’ll probably just find somewhere to eat first,”
She paused, then added, “Wait here a sec. I have something for you.”
“Okay!”
Briony went back inside and rummaged through her bag, pulling out a jewelry box. She returned to the balcony and tossed it across to Stella, “Catch!”
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Stella caught it deftly, shaking the box with curiosity. “What’s this?”
“it’s a bracelet Irwin gave me,” Briony explained. “Can you give it to James and ask him to get it checked by a reputable lab?”
“Checked?” Stella opened the box and examined the bracelet, turning it over in her hands. “Isn’t this just a regular crystal bracelet?”
“It looks like it,” Briony said, “but maybe it’s just my job making me paranoid. Lately, there’s been a lot of energy stones with high radiation on the market–they look almost exactly like ordinary tourmaline or crystal.”
