Ferdinand gently patted the little girl's head, his voice warm. "You're welcome."
Then he turned to Briony. "Could we talk for a moment?"
Before Briony could answer, James slid over with a grin.
"Come on, Mr. Ellsworth, that's not fair. We're all friends here--what could you possibly have to say to Bryn that we can't hear?"
Ferdinand's gaze settled on James. "Sorry. It's a private matter."
James glanced at Briony for confirmation.
She pressed her lips together, letting out a quiet sigh. Looking at James, she said, "Why don't you take Little Nina upstairs? Crystal should be home soon, ask her to help Nina with a bath."
The mood had clearly shifted.
James looked annoyed but knew better than to push at a time like this. He scooped up Little Nina and headed inside.
and Ferdinand
landed
mid-movement as he was pouring
was obvious he was the odd
to
then walked to the garden pavilion and sat down at the tea table, looking across at Ferdinand. "Please, have a seat, Mr.
came over and took the seat opposite
the table was whistling softly, steam curling from the
Ferdinand straight in the eye,
it was his own deliberate secrecy
things had reached a point where he had no
Group's shareholder meeting is the day
said, his tone grave. "Bryn,
cool. "Ferdinand, we've known each other
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