NovelEnglishChapter 235 "Something good?" Whenever Garry contacted her, it was never without a very specific agenda.
Briony had long since learned not to get her hopes up when Garry mentioned "good news." Her voice was cool. "Just say what you want, Garry." "Dr. Joyner is with me." Briony's breath caught. "Garry, this isn't something to joke about. Don't even try." "Do I seem like the type to joke about life and death?" Garry heaved a theatrical sigh. "Seems like you really don't trustat all, Ms. Kensington." Briony's heart pounded in her chest, her grip tightening around the phone. "Is Star really with you?" "I have no reason to lie." Briony's eyes stung, her voice trembling. "Is she... is she alright?" "She'll live, for now." Garry paused, then added, "But if she doesn't get brain surgery within a week, she may never wake up again." "Brain surgery..." Briony pressed a hand to her chest, struggling to breathe. She closed her eyes, forcing herself to stay calm. "Where is she? I want to see her." "Ms. Kensington, I didn't call to play the hero." Briony hesitated, then said, "Nyour terms, Garry. As long as Star comes back safe, I'll agree to anything." "That's what I like about you-smart and straightforward." Garry's tone turned sly, amusement curling in his voice. "Scondition as last time: marry me." "I haven't even finalized my divorce from Stewart yet." Briony's tone was glacial. "If you can get him to agree to a divorce, I'll do it." "No can do," Garry replied. "If you'd agreed to work withbefore, I'd have helped you out, but you passed. That was your chance. So, Ms. Kensington, sorry, this tyou're on your own." "And just so you know-you've got a week to get that divorce. After that, even if you're willing to marry me, all I can give you back is a woman in a coma." "Garry!" Briony's voice shook with anger. "You have no right to keep Star. How is this any different from kidnapping?" "There's a world of difference," Garry replied lazily. "I found Dr. Joyner by chance. She was unconscious-I brought her back and got her medical help. What's wrong with that?" "We've already notified the police," Briony said, fighting to keep her fury in check. "If you refuse to let her go, they'll intervene." "Well, that's unfortunate for you." Garry chuckled softly. "I'm in Westenmar now. Even if the police want to get involved, it's a whole process-international investigations take time. You think your friend has that long?" Briony's brow furrowed. "You took Star to Westenmar? Garry, I'm starting to think you're the one who kidnapped her!" "Seems like you're not interested in working withat all. That's a shame, but I get it-partnerships can't be forced." Garry sighed. "So, that's that." He hung up without another word.
"Hello?" Briony heard the dead line in her ear. Jaw clenched, she dialed his number again.
But Garry didn't pick up.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHe was doing this on purpose.
Inside the closed car, James had overheard the entire conversation.
"Bryn, calm down. At least now we know Stella's alive. As for getting her back, we need to talk to Dr. Clarke and the police." Briony's hand trembled as she gripped her phone. "I just don't buy Garry's story. According to Dr. Clarke, Star had a high fever the night she disappeared-she was obviously taken. For all we know, Garry's the one who had her abducted." James nodded, starting the engine. "Let's head to the station." Tap, tap- A knock sounded on the passenger window.
Briony turned to see Stewart standing outside, gesturing for her to get out.
She hesitated, then rolled down the window. "What is it?" "It's about Stella." Briony froze.
"It's started to rain. Let's talk inside the café?" Stewart suggested.
Given the circumstances, Briony didn't dare waste a second.
She climbed out of the car.
James moved to follow, but Stewart Cook shot him a cold look "This is om between her and me."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"You're up to something, I know it!" James bristled. "If don't go with her and you
"Mr. Delaney, wait in the car," Briony interrupted gently, glancing back at him "And Call Dr. Clarke." James looked frustrated but nodded. "Alright." Briony shut the car door behind her and walked straight toward the café.
Stewart fell into step beside her.
Inside, Briony, ever cautious, chose a secluded corner booth and sat down.
Stewart took the seat across from her.
A server approached. "What can I get for you?" Briony ordered a glass of lemon water.
Stewart asked for an iced americano.
When their drinks arrived, Briony wrapped her hands around the cool glass, took a sip, and looked up at him. "Who told you about Star?"
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