Silveridge International Airport.

As soon as the plane touched down and Briony and James stepped out into the arrival hall, they spotted Carney and Gwendolyn White waiting for them.

"Professor, Mrs. Winslow," Briony greeted them with a warm smile.

Gwendolyn couldn't contain herself-she hurried over and pulled Briony into an embrace.

"Let me have a look at you-much better color in your cheeks, but you're still much too thin." Gwendolyn released her and gave her a thorough once-over, her gaze finally landing on Briony's still-flat stomach.

"So it's really twins?"

Briony nodded with an easy smile.

"Oh, I'm just so delighted!" Gwendolyn took Briony's hands, gently patting them. "Come on, let's get you home. I had Damaris make some chicken soup to help you and those little ones get your strength back."

"Thank you, Mrs. Winslow."

"Oh, hush, there's no need for thanks among family!"

"Exactly!" James chimed in, immediately seizing the opportunity to tease. "She thanks me for every little thing, too. I told her just last night to knock it off, and here she goes again! Mrs. Winslow, you've got to do something about her."

him

just raised his eyebrows, grinning. "I'm only telling

are right," Carney said, looking fondly at Briony. "You know what they say-once a teacher, always family. If you still consider me your mentor,

wave of warmth settle in her

...

at Carney's house, he took Briony and James out for a drive. When they arrived at their destination, Briony finally realized who Carney had been referring to as "the big shot"—it was none other

the introductions. "This is Mr. Garry Ferguson, founder of Westernmar's Vanguard Conglomerate. He personally funded the repatriation of the stolen blue-and-white porcelain artifact. Mr. Ferguson, these

warm olive skin and striking features-a

James, greeting him with easy politeness.

shook his hand, completely at ease. "You flatter me, Mr. Ferguson. We should be thanking you for

turning his attention to Briony. "Ms. Kensington, I've

moment their eyes met, Briony caught a

when she looked again,

she had little patience for people who didn't honor their commitments, and Garry's reputation preceded him in that regard. Still, he'd been introduced by her mentor, and his contributions to artifact

Garry a polite, almost perfunctory handshake and smiled coolly.

he only raised an intrigued eyebrow before turning to Carney. "Professor Winslow, shall we take a

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