Stewart called Carl. "Wipe every piece of news about Julia off the internet. And while you're at it, find out which accounts started those rumors about her."

"Yes, sir."

About half an hour later, Carl called back.

"Mr. Wentworth, we've taken care of all the stories about Julia. I also traced the rumor accounts—the same person is behind all of them. Garry."

"I thought so," Stewart replied coolly. "Keep a close eye on things online for the next few days. If anything happens, I want to know immediately."

"Understood."

After the call ended, Stewart stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his office. Beside him rested Briony's unfinished portrait in ink and watercolor-a gift she'd started but never completed.

The night outside was quiet. Stewart gazed down at the blurred lines of the painting. Even though the features weren't finished, he recognized himself right away.

He smiled, his deep voice blending with the darkness. "Briony, I have a surprise for you, too. I think you're going to like it."

Briony hadn't slept well last night, and when she woke up that morning, her head was still foggy. Several missed calls flashed across her phone screen-all from James.

She hesitated, then called him back.

was about to call Stella and ask her to

must've fallen asleep by accident last night." Briony tried to sound casual, but her voice was a little off. "Sorry for making you

just glad you're okay." James paused, then added, "By the way, all those stories about

was barely above a whisper. "Stewart had

under his

her eyes, her tone serious and heavy, "I agreed to Stewart's three conditions. In three days, I'm going with him and

James fell silent.

sorry," Briony continued quietly. "I let you down.

you

didn't let me

Don't put so much pressure on yourself. You're scaring

laughed weakly. "No, nothing like that. I just feel bad,

You and Stella have been worrying about

"If

she'd scold you for sure, you know

lips together

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