Briony offered Stella a gentle smile in response
With Stella by her side, the heaviness in her chest eased, her mood lightening a little.
Tm coming tool James chimed in, his eyes lighting up.
“No you’re not,” Stewart shot back, his voice cold and expression even colder
“What? Why not?” James glared at him. “You’re flying private–what’s one more passenger?”
Stewart met his gaze, lips curving into a chilly smirk. “True, it’s not about space. I just don’t see why I should. let you on my jet.”
James practically shouted, “You’re doing this on purpose, Stewart!”
just think you’re unnecessary,” Stewart retorted, then turned and strode toward the VIP entrance, ignoring James entirely.
James was fuming, venting his frustration at Stewart’s receding back,
Seeing how upset he was, Briony tried to soothe him. “James, honestly, I could use your help here. Someone needs to keep an eye on the studio while I’m gone.”
James’s anger vanished in an instant. “Well, since you put it that way…” He gave a haughty little sniff, acting nonchalant. 1 suppose I can do you the favor and watch over things.”
“Thank you.” Briony smiled, then added, “Let me know as soon as you get the results back from the bracelet.” “Will do.”
James, now in much better spirits, couldn’t resist giving a few last–minute instructions, “If Stewart dares give you any trouble over there, call me right away. My family’s got money too–my dad has a private jet, you know!” Briony couldn’t help but laugh at his competitive streak. “Relax, I’ll be fine. With Stella with me, nothing’s going to happen.”
Just then, Cedric Clarke walked over, cleared his throat, and addressed James, “Mr. Delaney, don’t worry. I’m going too, and I give you my word: I’ll make sure Ms. Kensington comes back safe and sound”
James had always had a decent impression of Cedric. “Dr. Clarke, I know you just have questionable taste in friends. I’m counting on you to look after Bryn!”
Cedric chuckled. “Don’t worry, Stewart may act like a guard dog, but he’s not about to do anything illegal.” James rolled his eyes. “Cheating on your wife is illegal too, you know?”
Cedric just shook his head, momentarily speechless.
It was about an eleven–hour flight from Northborough to Ghana.
They left Northborough around one in the afternoon, and by the time they landed in Accra, Ghana’s capital, it was four o’clock the next day, local time.
The jet touched down.
The cabin door opened.
One by one, they disembarked.
Briony had been sick several times during the journey, and it was clear by looking at her that she was in rough shape.
Chapter 179
Stella supported Briony as they climbed into the business van waiting to take thern to the hotel,
Once inside, Briony slumped into the seat, her body limp and drained, quickly slipping into a half–conscious
haze
Her skin was so pale it was almost bluish, eyes squeezed shut, a deep frown etched between her brows
Stewart glanced back at her several times. As her condition only seemed to worsen instead of improving, his expression grew colder by the minute.
He shot a sharp look at Cedric Clarke. “What medicine did you bring? Why isn’t it working?”
Just motion sickness pills!” Cedric sounded genuinely confused. “This brand always works best. I don’t get why it’s not helping her at all”
Stella, listening to Cedric, felt a pang of quilt.
Of course it wasn’t working–Briony hadn’t taken the pills at all.
She was pregnant. She couldn’t risk taking motion sickness medication.
Mustering her courage, Stella offered a half–truth: “Bryn’s lost a lot of weight recently. She’s not just anemic, her blood pressure’s been low, too. She never used to get carsick, but lately even a ten–minute drive leaves her dizzy. It’s probably the anemia and low blood pressure catching up with her.”
“Both anemia and low blood pressure? That’s not good–she needs some serious care… Cedric shook his head, frustration growing. He shot Stewart a critical look, “Dragging her around like this, she’ll be lucky if she doesn’t collapse. Honestly, have you no conscience?”
Stewart just stared at Briony’s face, her eyes still shut tight, his own gaze shadowed and unreadable.
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