After the anesthesia, Julia slept even more deeply. Briony stayed by her mother's side the entire time.

Dinner was brought to their cabin on Stewart's orders.

Briony had little appetite, but she forced herself to eat a bit, knowing she needed her strength.

...

At nine thirty that night, the cruise ship docked at Southern Vale Airport.

Stewart had made arrangements in advance-an ambulance and an RV were already waiting by the pier.

Judd and the others carefully carried the unconscious Julia off the ship first. Briony followed close behind.

Once ashore, she pulled out her phone and opened her messages.

James Delaney had texted her half an hour ago.

They were already here.

Relief washed over her as she hurried after Judd and the others to intercept them.

Judd glanced at her in confusion. "Ms. Kensington, is something wrong?"

Briony didn't answer. She simply looked toward the Rolls-Royce parked nearby, its hazard lights flashing in the darkness.

Both the front passenger and rear doors opened at the same time.

James and Ferdinand Ellsworth stepped out one after another.

The two tall men strode purposefully toward them under the night sky.

In the distance, the sound of an approaching ambulance siren grew louder.

Briony turned to look at Irwin, just a few steps away, and said calmly, "Stewart, I'm not going back to Northborough with you, and you're not taking my mother anywhere."

"Briony, you never

and lips curling into a faint, icy smile. "Isn't it you

Stewart froze.

reaction, Briony

eyes curved as she looked at him—she was smiling, but there wasn't a trace of warmth

stared at her intently. "Briony, is this your way of getting

out a sharp laugh. "What sort of

forget, there's still my son's life between us! Don't even think about using your usual tricks to tie me down. I never owed you anything, and I certainly don't

"If our son hadn't

Briony's chest heaved, emotion swelling in her voice. "Sometimes, I really wonder, when

Stewart was stunned silent.

Briony sneered. "Because in your heart, Irwin is your only son. My

at his side, his Adam's apple bobbing as he

away from him

pulled up and came to a

and Ferdinand walked over

them, several black sedans pulled up, and a group of

toward the men behind him. "Mr. Chadwick

Hudson from leaving, so

scene looked like something out of a gangster

both surprised and deeply

her mother away from Stewart was no longer

to Ferdinand. "Mr. Ellsworth," she nodded politely, "sorry to trouble you

trouble at all," Ferdinand replied, his deep-set eyes kind and his tone gentle. "I'll take Mrs. Hudson to the airport lounge and wait for

"Thank you," Briony said.

back at the lead man in black. "Take her

motioned for his

clear they were taking

thickened in

"The medical facilities in Silverlake City aren't as good as Northborough's. Briony,

your concern," she shot back, her eyes

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