Chapter 138
Garry’s invitation was so enthusiastic that Carney couldn’t very well turn him down.
But he already had plans for the evening.
After a quick consideration, he glanced at Garry. “I’m actually having dinner with Professor Thornton from the Antiquarian Society’s Legal Defense Group and our legal team tonight. Mr. Ferguson, if you don’t mind, would you like to join us?”
Garry gave a faint smile. “Anyone willing to contribute to the preservation of our cultural heritage has my respect. I’d be glad to make their acquaintance.”
Silveridge, at a private,restaurant.
By the time Carney and his group arrived at the reserved dining room, Professor Thornton and the others were already there.
Professor Thornton and Carney went way back–they’d been like–minded friends since their university days, and even now, well into their careers, they were both determined to do their part for the country.
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“Professor Winslow, you’re here! Let me introduce you–this is Stewart Wentworth, Northborough’s most renowned attorney and the top legal mind in the field!”
Hearing Stewart’s name, both Briony and James paused in surprise.
They exchanged a knowing look.
James let out a low whistle. “Small world, huh?”
Briony pressed her lips together, silently agreeing.
What were the odds of running into him here? The world really was small sometimes.
Professor Thornton continued his introductions, beaming with pride. “And these are Attorney Chambers and Attorney Tristan, both part of Mr. Wentworth’s team…” Thornton had already been chatting with Stewart before Carney’s group arrived, and the more they spoke, the more convinced he was that he’d found the perfect person for the job.
“I was actually being modest earlier–Mr. Wentworth’s reputation is huge these days. I watched his recent legal interview on TV–young, brilliant, truly impressive! We’re lucky to have him on our side!”
Carney stepped forward to shake Stewart’s hand. “Attorney Wentworth, I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Stewart took his hand, his voice deep. “Professor Winslow, a pleasure.”
James had already given Carney a rough rundown of Stewart and Briony’s history over the
15:55
phone.
As Carney looked at Stewart–imposing, sharp–featured, with a commanding presence–he couldn’t help but think, *Talented, certainly. But as for his character… best left unmentioned.*
Still, since Professor Thornton had arranged tonight’s gathering for the sake of heritage preservation, Garney wasn’t about to let personal feelings spoil the mood.
James and Briony clearly felt the same. They were all here for a bigger cause.
After the introductions, everyone took their seats.
Briony found herself seated between Carney and James, directly across from Stewart.
Stewart glanced over at her, but she was already turned toward James, engaged in a lively discussion about the restoration of a blue–and–white porcelain artifact.
Garry’s eyes lingered on Briony for a moment, then shifted to Stewart.
Sensing Garry’s gaze, Stewart looked up, and their eyes met.
Garry raised an eyebrow.
Stewart’s expression darkened slightly before he turned away, his gaze settling elsewhere.
Plates of food began to arrive, and Professor Thornton and Carney ordered wine, inviting the men at the table to share a toast.
James, who couldn’t hold his liquor and had work the next day, requested two glasses of juice from the waiter–one for himself and one for Briony.
Briony sipped her juice, its sweet and tart flavor whetting her appetite.
Most of the conversation at dinner was kept lively by Professor Thornton and Carney.
Stewart and Garry, as focal points of the evening, joined the senior Antiquarian Society members in a rich discussion about heritage conservation, contributing thoughtfully as the wine flowed.
As the evening wore on and the atmosphere grew more convivial, Briony excused herself to visit the restroom.
On her way back, she paused in the corridor.
It was quiet, the wall sconces casting warm amber halos along the hallway. Garry stood a few steps away, his slate–gray suit making him look even taller and more imposing.
He pulled a cigar from his pocket and lit it, taking a slow, measured draw.
Briony’s brow creased.
It was obvious he was waiting for her.
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Chapter 138
She’d had a strange feeling about Garry ever since they’d first met–there was something odd in the way he looked at her. Her first impression wasn’t great, and she had no desire to get too
close.
Garry, cigar in hand, started walking toward her.
Briony instinctively took a step back, not wanting to inhale secondhand smoke.
Garry halted, raising his eyebrow, and exhaled a plume of smoke while studying her.
“So, Ms. Kensington, you and Attorney Wentworth seem pretty familiar, don’t you?”
Briony blinked in surprise.
He’d waited out here just to ask that?
Did Garry know Stewart?
