“Just look at your attitude!” Melody sneered, her voice dripping with self–righteousness. “I warned you all ages. ago–not to get too close to Briony, that jinx! But did anyone listen? Now look what’s happened–your only daughter, gone. And it’s all her fault!”
Briony froze, blindsided by the venom in Melody’s words.
“You’re talking nonsense!” James exploded, stepping protectively in front of Briony. Towering over Melody at six–foot–two, he radiated an intimidating presence.
Melody, barely five foot two and clutching a designer handbag, instinctively raised it between them as she shrank back a step.
“W–Who are you? No manners at all! Anyone can see you’re not from a decent family!”
James let out a short, incredulous laugh, his fists clenching. “You got that right. I’m not from a ‘decent‘ family–which means I don’t mind using my fists, especially when it comes to nasty old women who spew poison every time they open their mouths.”
Melody stared at his raised fist, swallowing hard. “Y–You know it’s illegal to hit someone, right?”
He just grinned, eyes cold. “Trust me, if I broke every bone in your body, I’d sleep just fine.”
James stepped closer, his voice a roar. “Now get out of here!”
Terrified, Melody grabbed her daughter and beat a hasty retreat.
But before leaving, she turned and shouted, her voice shrill and spiteful, “When Briony was born, the priest said she was cursed! Anyone close to her ends up dead! Take my advice–stay away from her while you still can!”
“You miserable old witch!” James bellowed, chasing after her.
Startled, Melody’s heel twisted beneath her, and she stumbled, nearly spraining her ankle.
Ottilie, mortified by the spectacle, quickly helped her limping mother out of the building.
Melody’s words had been cruel, meant only to wound. Yet, for Scarlett–already devastated–they struck a
nerve.
Scarlett pulled her hand from Briony’s and turned away, burying herself beneath the blankets. Her voice, hoarse and exhausted from crying, came muffled. “Bryn, just… go home, okay?”
Briony hesitated, lips pressed tight, staring at her now–empty palm before quietly withdrawing her hand.
She stood, her voice gentle. “Mrs. Joyner, I’ll head out then. Please take care of yourself.”
Turning, Briony looked to Ableson.
He sighed. “She’s not herself right now–don’t let it get to you.”
Briony nodded. “You too, Mr. Joyner. Please look after yourself.”
“Go on,” he said, nodding. “And take care of yourself as well.”
Briony murmured her thanks and left the hospital room.
Ableson watched them enter the elevator before closing the door behind them.
On the way back, Briony sat in silence.
James glanced at her several times, noticing the distant look in her eyes as she stared out the window.
“Do you want to go back to the studio, or to Dolphin Cove?”
“The studio.” Briony’s lashes fluttered. “It’s closer to the police station. If there’s any news about Star, I can get there quickly.”
1/2
19:58
Chapter 234
James sighed. “Alright.”
When they reached the studio, Briony unfastened her seatbelt but didn’t move to get out.
James frowned. “What’s wrong?”
Briony turned to him, her beautiful eyes shining with unshed tears. “Tell me honestly… am I really cursed?”
James was taken aback.
“My grandfather died of cancer. Then my mom. And now Star…” Her voice trembled.
“Briony, stop it!” James took her by the shoulders, looking her dead in the eye, his expression grave.
“This is not your fault! Life is unpredictable–losing loved ones is a tragedy none of us can escape. Don’t blame yourself for things you can’t control. That old hag was just trying to kick you while you’re down. She’s jealous of you! Don’t let her get in your head!”
Briony stared at him, stunned.
“I know, I know she was just being cruel…” Her throat tightened, and her voice broke. “But why does it always happen to the people I love most? Why is it always me? Why?”
She finally broke down, covering her face with her hands as sobs wracked her body.
James‘ brow furrowed as he listened to her muffled cries, his heart aching as if squeezed by an invisible hand. For the first time, he truly understood what it meant to hurt for someone else.
“Let it out, Bryn. Just cry…” He pulled her into his arms, holding her gently like a father comforting his child, his hand soothingly rubbing her back. “It’ll feel better if you let it out.”
Across the street, a silver Mercedes had just pulled over. In the driver’s seat, Stewart watched the two of them embracing in the Range Rover, his narrowed eyes darkening.
His long fingers tightened around the steering wheel, knuckles turning white.
Briony’s phone vibrated inside her purse. She gently pushed James away and wiped her tears.
James handed her a fo
tissues.
She took them silently, dabbing her face dry before retrieving her phone.
The number was unfamiliar. Briony hesitated, then answered. “Hello?”
“It’s me.” Garry’s deep, gravelly voice came through the line. “Ms. Kensington. It’s been a while.”
Briony frowned. “What can I do for you, Mr. Ferguson?”
“There’s something I need to discuss,” he replied, a trace of amusement in his tone. “And I think you’ll find it’s good news.”
10.50
