Chapter 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.

Carney, 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 came with 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 come today, 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.

Carney a frosty

of Briony, gave Crystal a once-over,

back from overseas today." Then she turned to Crystal,

I've seen your interviews-you're phenomenal.

you're making me blush!" 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

Crystal grinned. "Absolutely!"

said, "I'll take her upstairs to

White interjected. "Let's do it together-I'll help, we'll

...

upstairs, Gwendolyn White

going

Little Nina to return with him to

it!" Gwendolyn White's eyes flashed with anger. "Not a chance! We are not going back! If he tries to force you,

hesitating. "But I intend to

with him?" Gwendolyn White's voice rose in alarm. "Don't

thinking of getting

and Rosita are both in Northborough. I

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