NovelEnglishChapter 323 When Briony stepped inside, everyone was there except for Little Nina, who was still at preschool.
Carney was busy making tea, while James and Stewart sat across from each other at the table. As soon as James saw Briony, he shot her a look of annoyance, lips pursed in clear disapproval. Briony understood him perfectly, but only pressed her lips together and ignored Stewart entirely. Stewart, for his part, barely glanced at Briony before turning back to Carney and resuming their earlier conversation.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtCarney, of course, was not oblivious to the tension pulsing through the room. He cleared his throat and made an effort to keep chatting with Stewart, as if nothing were amiss.
Stewart was, after all, The Antiquarian Society's legal representative-a meeting like this cwith the territory, and Carney couldn't exactly refuse. Besides, Stewart had carefully steered clear of any mention of Briony or Little Nina since stepping through the door, as if he were simply here to share a cup of tea with Carney and discuss matters of artifact preservation.
Carney knew perfectly well why Stewart had ctoday, but since Stewart refused to broach the subject, Carney could only play dumb and go along with the charade.
Gwendolyn White, however, had no patience for such pretense. She thought Carney was giving Stewart far too much leeway.
Still, with outsiders present, all she did was shoot Carney a frosty glare before rising from her seat and walking over to Briony.
She stopped in front of Briony, gave Crystal a once-over, and asked, "Bryn, and this is...?" Briony introduced her, "This is Crystal, my college roommate. She just got back from overseas today." Then she turned to Crystal, "Crystal, this is my godmother, Mrs. Winslow-a fourth-generation heir of traditional culture." Crystal extended both hands enthusiastically. "Mrs. Winslow, it's such an honor! I've seen your interviews-you're phenomenal. And you look even younger and more elegant in person!" "Oh, you're makingblush!" Gwendolyn White laughed warmly, clasping Crystal's hands. "Since you're here, you must stay a few days. Make yourself at home, dear, don't stand on ceremony!" Crystal grinned. "Absolutely!" Briony said, "I'll take her upstairs to drop off her bags." "The guest room's not tidied up yet!" Gwendolyn White interjected. "Let's do it together-I'll help, we'll be quicker." Inside the guest room upstairs, Gwendolyn White quietly closed the door behind them.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe turned to Briony, her expression serious. "What's going on with Stewart? Why did he cback again?" "He wantsand Little Nina to return with him to Northborough." "I knew it!" Gwendolyn White's eyes flashed with anger. "Not a chance! We are not going back! If he tries to force you, we'll just call Mr. Chadwick again if we have to!" Briony pressed her lips together, hesitating. "But I intend to go back." "You're going back with him?" Gwendolyn White's voice rose in alarm. "Don't tellyou're thinking of getting back together with Stewart!" "No." Briony's face was cold, resolute. "Lauren and Rosita are both in Northborough. I have to go back." Gwendolyn White was taken aback, falling silent for a moment before letting out a weary sigh.
"But if you go back, Stewart will never let you go. And what if Lauren or Rosita tries to hurt you or Little Nina..."
"Godmother, I know you're worried." Briony gently took Gwendolyn White's hand, her voice soft and reassuring. "I NO know it's risky to take Little Nina back there. That's why I tracked down Crystal." "What do you mean?" Briony looked over at Crystal.
Crystal's eyes sparkled. "Mrs.
Winslow, allowto formally introduce myself: I have a black belt I in judo, Kimca kickboxing champion, and I worked as a stunt double abroad for five years. When it comes to self-defense, I'm more than qualified." "So you're saying..." Gwendolyn White paused, piecing it together. "You want Crystal to be your bodyguard?" Briony nodded. "Yes, but to everyone else, she's just my personal assistant. It's best not to publicize her martial arts skills." "I understand," Gwendolyn White replied, though she still looked uneasy. "I just worry that if trouble comes, we won't see it coming."
"But hiding won't make them leave us alone," Briony said, her tone icy calm. "I'll go back-but before I do, I'll make sure Stewart and I agree on my terms."
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