Briony was caught off guard when an unexpected email from her advisor popped up in her inbox that afternoon. Surprise washed over her–followed by something warmer, almost like hope.
She’d honestly thought Professor Winslow had given up on her long ago.
Staring at the attached photo, Briony gathered her nerve and dialed his number.
The phone rang three times before someone picked up.
Clutching her phone tightly, Briony’s voice came out thin and anxious. “Professor…?”
“Professor Winslow is meeting with an important quest right now,” a man’s voice replied.
Briony hesitated, thrown off. “…”
“You’re Briony, right?” The man sounded smug–almost mocking. “You saw the photo of the porcelain Christ figurine?”
She had no idea who this was, but if he was answering the professor’s phone, he had to be someone Winslow trusted.
“I saw it,” she answered calmly. “And you are?”
“James Delaney,” he introduced himself, his tone full of self–importance. “Currently Professor Winslow’s most promising student.”
Briony blinked, feeling a flicker of irritation.
So that’s how it is.
“Professor Winslow predicted you’d call,” James continued. “He asked me to tell you: The National Archaeological Society recently uncovered a late medieval tomb. Most of the artifacts found so far are badly damaged, and they’re searching for an exceptionally skilled and talented restorer.”
Briony listened, silent as he went on.
“He says you and I are both gifted, but I’m the one who’s shown real drive. So before he decides, he wants to see your current level of skill for himself.”
Briony caught on quickly. “So the porcelain Christ in the photo–that’s my audition, isn’t it?”
“Exactly. But you can always refuse. Professor Winslow won’t force you.”
“I’ll do it,” Briony replied, her voice steady. “Send the piece over.”
“It’s extremely valuable, so I’ll have to bring it myself. And Professor Winslow instructed me to supervise the entire process.”
“Fine.” Briony said, “Add me on WhatsApp, and I’ll send you my address.”
James chuckled. “So quick to give your number to a stranger? Aren’t you a little too easy, senior?”
Briony bristled, unsettled by his flirty tone–despite how smooth his voice was. She kept her cool and replied flatly. “It’s just for work,” before hanging up.
A few minutes later, Briony opened WhatsApp.
James had already sent a contact request.
She accepted, saved his name, and sent over the detailed address of her studio.
He replied with a thumbs–up emoji.
Briony: [When will you arrive?]
Chapter 42
James: [Eager, aren’t you?]
Briony frowned, forcing herself to stay professional. [Just need to confirm the time so I can make arrangements.]
He started typing. And kept typing. For nearly a minute before finally sending:
James: [I’ll be there the day after tomorrow.]
Briony: [Alright. Let me know when you’re close.]
James replied with another ‘ok‘
Conversation over.
Briony shut down her computer, grabbed her bag, and headed out of her office.
Outside, she opened her ride–share app while standing on the curb.
It was almost 10 p.m. The city streets were cold and busy, wind biting through her coat.
A sleek black Mercedes glided to a stop in front of her.
Briony, still looking down at her phone, paused and glanced up.
The passenger–side window slid down. Stewart, sitting behind the wheel, turned his head to look at her. “Get in,” he said.
Briony’s expression darkened, a flicker of distaste crossing her otherwise calm features.
She didn’t even bother responding. Turning on her heel, she headed for the nearest bus stop. Just as she arrived, her ride pulled up.
She climbed in and the car set off towards the hospital.
Behind her, the black Mercedes merged into traffic, quietly following.
