It was just before nine o'clock, and Briony had nearly finished packing up her

things when her phone rang.

It was Stewart.

She set down what she was holding and answered the call.

"I'm coming back to Northborough today." Stewart's deep voice carried through the line.

Briony's tone was calm, almost indifferent. “So, are we meeting this afternoon to finalize the divorce papers, or will it be tomorrow?"

"This afternoon's a bit rushed."

"Bryn, do you want to take these books with you?" James called out from the living room.

Briony turned her head and replied, "Yeah, bring them all."

"Alright, I'll pack them up for you. Though, I've got copies of a few of these at my place already-should I leave those?"

"That's fine," Briony answered.

Suddenly, Stewart's voice cut in, sharp with suspicion. "Are you moving house?" Briony frowned, a hint of irritation flickering across her face. "That's not really your concern. Since you're busy this afternoon, let's just meet tomorrow morning."

answer and pressed on,

replied, her patience finally snapping, her tone turning cold. "I've held up my end of the bargain. I hope

the

for half a minute before Stewart finally

brought a sense of relief. Briony hung

Dolphin Cove to James's place took about

stand-alone villa, tucked away for privacy. James had once told her that his father, a hopeless romantic, had bought the place as a honeymoon retreat years ago and even named it

Marlene, was about the same age as Gina and, hearing Briony was

the sunniest room, saying

stepped into Skybreeze Retreat, she felt warmth settle over her-a sense of home she hadn't realized

night, Marlene and Gina teamed up to prepare a hearty dinner, most of it tailored

James had a

really good, you should have

dramatically. "If I have another bowl, I'll probably start lactating at

Briony was speechless.

photos of the warmly lit house and sent them to

Then he called.

picked up, Carl reported in his usual straightforward way, “Mr. Wentworth, Ms.

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