Briony sent a generous digital bonus to the company group chat, and when Hannah snagged the biggest share, she cheered out loud with delight.

"Let's clock out early today and have dinner together-my treat!" Briony announced as she stepped out of her office, smiling at everyone.

"Briony, you're the best!" Hannah jumped up from her desk and made a beeline for Briony, arms outstretched for a dramatic hug-

James's eyes widened. He quickly stepped in front of Briony, holding out a hand in warning, "Hey now, let's not get too excited!"

Hannah stopped short, giving James a puzzled look. "Mr. Delaney, are you... declaring your territory?"

James hesitated. The truth was, he was just worried that Hannah's enthusiasm might accidentally hurt his goddaughter. But Briony's pregnancy was still top secret-absolutely no one could know.

So, James decided to just roll with it.

"That's right! You heard me I'm Briony's official bodyguard now!" he said with great seriousness, waving Hannah off. "You better watch yourself. Sure, you're a girl, but our Bryn's got universal charm-no one's immune! So do us all a favor and keep your distance."

Hannah just stared at him, speechless.

Briony could tell James was only worried Hannah might bump into her belly. She personally thought he was being a little over the top, but since he was just looking out for her as the baby's godfather, she didn't argue.

Since Briony said nothing, Hannah took her silence as agreement.

a new glint in Hannah's eyes as she glanced between the

staff couldn't resist joining in on the

Delaney, that was a pretty

like your spirit, young man! Keep it up. Maybe you'll be our boss's

still spoke with a heavy Cantonese accent despite being over fifty. "James, if you've got

He rubbed the

just made

Briony glanced up and caught

Is he blushing?

back a smile and quietly walked over to the dog bed

all, if people get to enjoy

of dog

pup snuggled into her palm, tail wagging with

understood, the puppy barked softly in thanks and dove into

treat, gently stroking its head, her eyes crinkled in a contented

buzzed with laughter and good cheer, the

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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