Jeannie gently coaxed Irwin back into bed, then lay down beside him, softly humming a lullaby.

It didn't take long before Irwin drifted off to sleep again.

Once she was sure he was sound asleep, Jeannie quietly slipped out of bed and

left the room.

She went next door and picked up her phone, glancing at the time.

A little after 2 a.m.-hardly an appropriate hour to call her employer.

But the matter was too important for her to care about propriety.

Jeannie dialed Stewart's number.

He answered almost immediately.

"Ms. Radcliffe." Stewart's deep voice came through the line. "Did Irwin have another nightmare?"

Jeannie felt her cheeks flush, her heart still pounding. She steadied herself and answered respectfully, "I'm sorry to bother you so late, Mr. Wentworth."

She hesitated, then continued, "Irwin did have another nightmare. This time it was worse than before he cried harder, kept saying he saw his mother covered in blood. While I was comforting him, he let a few things slip..."

The next morning, just after nine, the specialists Hannah had contacted arrived.

Three technicians showed up, dressed in protective gear and carrying professional equipment. They checked every inch of Briony's office and lounge, inside and out.

Half an hour later, the results were in.

No traces of high radiation were found anywhere.

Hannah called Briony with the update.

Briony was surprised when she heard the news.

James, who looked

shook her head. "Hannah said they

something?" "Hannah watched them the whole time. She's thorough-nothing gets past her." "So, were we wrong?" James huffed. "Guess that kid still has a conscience- didn't

we're back to

her. "Forget it. It's over. What matters now is that you're safe. Just focus on taking care of yourself and the twins. That's what's important." Briony gave him a faint smile. "What if they're

"Don't jinx

couldn't help

Northborough, the law offices.

on the

"Come in."

walked over to

I found

the box. "Was

the whole time, but luckily

quick-got it

the box, but Carl quickly warned,

"I know."

Stewart opened the box.

energy stone glimmered with

moment before snapping

himself to talk to Irwin. The boy was young-easily manipulated by Lauren-and hadn't realized how dangerous the stone was. When

don't understand. If Ms. Kensington already suspects Lauren, why go to all this

bed. If she ever found out, do you think she'd

eyes widened in sudden

protecting Irwin's place in

"The authorities have been cracking down on these stones for years. If Lauren managed to get one,

these energy stones were mostly smuggled

fringes of a wealthy family, would never have gotten her hands on something

Lauren," Stewart said, tapping the cold metal box with his

nodded at

The Lockwood estate.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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