Chapter 140
Stewart released his grip, straightened his suit jacket, and fixed Garry with a cold, steely gaze.
“Don’t bother trying to provoke me. Whether it’s Briony or Rosita and her son, they’re none of your business. If you’re smart, you’ll get yourself back to Westenmar and stay out of this. Otherwise, don’t blame me for forgetting our old friendship.”
With that, Stewart turned his attention away, pivoted, and strode off.
Garry watched Stewart’s retreating figure, a slow grin spreading across his face as if he’d just stumbled on something exciting. “Stewart, those who break their word are bound to pay for it. Is your reckoning finally coming?”
Dinner was over.
The group
filed out of the restaurant together.
Silveridge, perched on the coast, rarely saw snow in winter, but the wind off the sea could cut right through you. By nightfall, the icy gusts whipped so sharply that it stung your skin.
Stepping outside, Briony squinted against the cold, half her face disappearing into her raised
collar.
Carney had been drinking, so he couldn’t drive. James took his keys and went to fetch the car.
goodbyes with Carney and Professor Thornton, Garry turned last to Briony, who stood quietly at Carney’s side. “Ms. Kensington, would you mind sharing your contact information?”
Meanwhile, Garry’s driver pulled up. After exchanging
A few steps away, Stewart caught the remark. His dark eyes narrowed, glancing sideways at the pair.
Under the city’s neon lights, Briony’s face was mostly hidden in her coat, only her eyes visible. The glow of the city danced in them, like shattered light flickering in her gaze.
But now, those eyes looked at Garry, cool and distant. “Sorry, that’s not possible.”
Stewart, hearing this, arched an eyebrow and shot Garry a look.
Garry didn’t seem surprised. He calmly withdrew his hand and flicked a brief, knowing glance in
Stewart’s direction.
Their eyes met. Stewart’s lips curled into a cold, brief smirk.
“My apologies, I was out of line,” Garry said smoothly, still smiling. “Well then, Ms. Kensington, gentlemen, I’ll be on my way.”
Briony looked down, making no reply.
Carney and Professor Thornton were rosy–cheeked and a little tipsy, oblivious to the tension.
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Chapter 140
They warmly bid Garry farewell.
Once Garry had gone, Stewart and the other two lawyers, also having had a few drinks, had no choice but to call for a car service.
The ride hadn’t arrived yet.
Just then, James pulled up in Carney’s car.
Briony stepped forward and opened the back door. “Professor, the car’s here.”
Carney and Professor Thornton said their goodbyes to Stewart and the others, then climbed into the car.
Briony closed the door and turned to head for the front passenger side, but Stewart suddenly stepped forward and grabbed her wrist.
She frowned, ready to pull away, but he spoke first. “I just wanted to tell you–stay away from Garry. He’s trouble.”
Briony shook off his hand, her eyes cold. “You’re the one who needs to keep his distance from
me.”
Without another word, she opened the car door and got in.
She pulled on her seatbelt. “Let’s go.”
James glanced out the window at Stewart, who was still standing motionless on the curb, then pressed down on the accelerator.
Stewart stood there, watching the car disappear down the avenue, his brow creasing as the taillights faded into the night. Only then did he turn away.
Briony and James spent the next week in Silveridge, rarely leaving the restoration studio as they labored over the blue–and–white porcelain piece. Only on the first day did they venture out; after that, they were absorbed in their work.
Garry stopped by twice more, but only to check on their progress–never pressing Briony for anything further.
On the eighth day, the restoration was done.
When Garry got the news and hurried to the museum, he was told Briony and James had already left for the airport.
He just smiled, chatted a bit with Carney, and took his leave.
Outside, Garry told his secretary to book a flight.
His young, efficient assistant asked, “Mr. Ferguson, the team in Rome has been waiting for you for three days. Are we flying there tonight?”
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“Let them wait” Garry replied chewing on fre Elgar with a lazy grin. “The little rabbit I’ve got my
eye on just ran off I have to give chase don’t?
