Briony answered the phone when Ferdinand called.

They arranged to meet at a café downstairs from her studio.

Ever since Briony learned about Ferdinand's connection to Stewart, she'd grown noticeably more distant with him.

And Ferdinand, of course, had picked up on it.

They chose a table by the window.

Outside, traffic streamed past in a constant blur; inside, soft music drifted through the air.

A server brought their drinks.

Briony had ordered a black coffee-no milk, no sugar-the textbook choice for a much-needed pick-me-up.

Ferdinand, ever the health-conscious doctor, opted for a glass of lemon water.

He couldn't hide his mild surprise when he saw her with the coffee.

his throat, his voice gentle. "Coffee isn't exactly good for you, you know. You might

her expression calm and reserved. "Mr. Ellsworth, if you have

her,

could feel Briony's detachment so clearly,

Ferdinand's eyes searched hers, his tone soft. "Stewart's probably

stayed cool,

divorced. The

friend, I thought you deserved to know first." Ferdinand managed a bitter smile. "After all, Mario is a Wentworth by blood-the family's future

Mario, then I'm afraid I'd actually prefer for Stewart to lose the Wentworth power." Briony's tone was icy.

a sigh. "It's not just

That made Briony pause.

Ferdinand went on, "Truth is, I never wanted to fight for

him.

"It goes back to the story of

of them, years

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