At three in the afternoon, Briony and James returned to the studio.

The golden retriever hadn't seen Briony in a week, and the moment she walked in, he bounded over, barking with excitement, his tail wagging so hard his whole body wiggled. Wherever Briony went, the dog trailed after her, practically glued to her heels.

Briony couldn't help but laugh, exasperated. "Lucky, don't stick so close, or I'll end up stepping on you."

At her words, Lucky stopped in his tracks. He waited for Briony to take a few steps ahead before trotting after her, tail wagging dutifully.

James watched the scene, shaking his head in disbelief. "I swear, you and that dog communicate better than most people."

"My grandpa's golden retriever was the same way," Briony replied, smiling fondly at the memory.

She pushed open the office door and stepped inside, hanging her bag and coat on the rack by the door. Turning to James, she said, "You must be exhausted too. Why don't you take the rest of the day off and get some rest?"

James waved her off as he dropped onto the sofa. "I'm young, I'll survive." He fixed her with a steady look. "Did you get in touch with Stewart yet?"

Briony hesitated. "Not yet."

He raised an eyebrow, his tone turning dry. "Not urgent? Planning to wait until Christmas?"

She shot him a look, momentarily at a loss for words. "Fine. I'll call him now." She pulled out her phone and dialed Stewart's number.

On the other end, Stewart picked up almost immediately. His deep voice came through, low and even. "Back in Northborough?"

kept her tone neutral. "Yeah. When are

anytime. If it's about

irritation flashing across her face. "Really, Stewart? Are

the three conditions," he replied coolly, then hung up without another

but he rejected the

her phone, frustration

won't cooperate?" James

phone onto the desk and rubbed her temples. "Looks

phone. "Let me check with

"Thanks."

outside to make the

down at her desk, opened her laptop, and began

door was still ajar when Hannah came

here to

glanced up. "Who

aside, gesturing to

Briony looked past her-

Sophia appeared, making

Briony's expression tightened.

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