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 guest 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.

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

as he

both gifted, but I'm the one who's shown real drive. So before he decides, he wants to

"So the porcelain Christ

you can always refuse. Professor Winslow won't

it," Briony replied, her voice steady. "Send

bring it myself. And Professor Winslow instructed me

me on WhatsApp, and I'll send you my

give your number to a stranger? Aren't you a little too easy,

voice was. She kept her

few minutes later, Briony

sent

and sent over the detailed

replied with a thumbs-up

[When will

James: [Eager, aren't you?]

forcing herself to stay professional. [Just need to confirm the time so I can

typing. For nearly a minute before finally

there the day

me know when

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