Chapter 129
Briony sent a generous digital bonus to the company group chat, and when Hannah snagged the biggest share, she cheered out loud with delight.
“Let’s clock out early today and have dinner together–my treat!” Briony announced as she stepped out of her office, smiling at everyone.
“Briony, you’re the best!” Hannah jumped up from her desk and made a beeline for Briony, arms outstretched for a dramatic hug-
James’s eyes widened. He quickly stepped in front of Briony, holding out a hand in warning, “Hey now, let’s not get too excited!”
Hannah stopped short, giving James a puzzled look. “Mr. Delaney, are you… declaring your territory?”
James hesitated. The truth was, he was just worried that Hannah’s enthusiasm might accidentally hurt his goddaughter. But Briony’s pregnancy was still top secret–absolutely no one could know.
So, James decided to just roll with it.
“That’s right! You heard me–I’m Briony’s official bodyguard now!” he said with great seriousness, waving Hannah off. “You better watch yourself. Sure, you’re a girl, but our Bryn’s got universal charm–no one’s immune! So do us all a favor and keep your distance.”
Hannah just stared at him, speechless.
Briony could tell James was only worried Hannah might bump into her belly. She personally thought he was being a little over the top, but since he was just looking out for her as the baby’s godfather, she didn’t argue.
Since Briony said nothing, Hannah took her silence as agreement.
Suddenly, there was a new glint in Hannah’s eyes as she glanced between the two of them, a hint of playful speculation in her gaze.
The rest of the studio staff couldn’t resist joining in on the fun.
Joey from accounting whistled, “Wow, Mr. Delaney, that was a pretty bold move–super manly!”
Lydia chimed in, “I like your spirit, young man! Keep it up. Maybe you’ll be our boss’s husband someday!”
Black, the office’s resident jokester, still spoke with a heavy Cantonese accent despite being over fifty. “James, if you’ve got good news soon, don’t forget to bring us some wedding sweets, yeah?”
James hadn’t thought much of it at first, but with everyone piling on, he started to feel a little embarrassed. He rubbed the tip of his nose, his gaze darting away as he tried to play it cool. “Yeah, yeah, we’ll see.”
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Chapter 129
His awkwardness just made everyone laugh harder.
Standing behind him, Briony glanced up and caught sight of his ears–red as cherries.
Is he blushing?
She bit back a smile and quietly walked over to the dog bed in the corner.
After all, if people get to enjoy special holidays, pets should too.
Briony opened a can of dog food for the golden retriever puppy.
The little pup snuggled into her palm, tail wagging with glee.
“Dig in,” she murmured.
As if it understood, the puppy barked softly in thanks and dove into its food.
Briony watched the puppy savor its treat, gently stroking its head, her eyes crinkled in a contented smile.
Behind her, the studio buzzed with laughter and good cheer, the atmosphere warm and lively.
Meanwhile, outside the studio’s front door, Stewart handed a paper lantern to Irwin. “Go on, take
this inside.”
“Where are you going, Dad?” Irwin asked, looking up at him, lantern in hand.
Just moments ago, Stewart had taken a call in the car. After he hung up, his expression had changed.
“Is Mom Rosita sick again?” Irwin pressed.
Stewart’s voice was gentle, but firm. “You stay with your mom tonight. Dad will check on Mom Rosita, so you don’t need to worry.”
Irwin nodded, a little reassured. “Okay, but make sure you give this lantern to Mom Rosita for me!”
“I will. Now, get inside.”
Irwin waved goodbye and walked into the studio.
Stewart watched him go, then turned and headed off into the night.
It was a holiday evening, and the streets were already filling with traffic.
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