Silveridge International Airport.
As soon as the plane touched down and Briony and James stepped out into the arrival hall, they spotted Carney and Gwendolyn White waiting for them.
“Professor, Mrs. Winslow,” Briony greeted them with a warm smile.
Gwendolyn couldn’t contain herself—she hurried over and pulled Briony into an embrace.
“Let me have a look at you—much better color in your cheeks, but you’re still much too thin.” Gwendolyn released her and gave her a thorough once-over, her gaze finally landing on Briony’s still-flat stomach.
“So it’s really twins?”
Briony nodded with an easy smile.
“Oh, I’m just so delighted!” Gwendolyn took Briony’s hands, gently patting them. “Come on, let’s get you home. I had Damaris make some chicken soup to help you and those little ones get your strength back.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Winslow.”
“Oh, hush, there’s no need for thanks among family!”
“Exactly!” James chimed in, immediately seizing the opportunity to tease. “She thanks me for every little thing, too. I told her just last night to knock it off, and here she goes again! Mrs. Winslow, you’ve got to do something about her.”
Briony shot him a sidelong glance.
James just raised his eyebrows, grinning. “I’m only telling the truth!”
“Bryn, Mrs. Winslow and James are right,” Carney said, looking fondly at Briony. “You know what they say—once a teacher, always family. If you still consider me your mentor, then you’re one of us. You don’t have to stand on ceremony. All this politeness just makes you seem like a stranger.”
Briony felt a wave of warmth settle in her chest. “Okay,” she replied softly.
…
After a cozy lunch at Carney’s house, he took Briony and James out for a drive.
When they arrived at their destination, Briony finally realized who Carney had been referring to as “the big shot”—it was none other than ‘Mr. Ferguson.’
Carney made the introductions. “This is Mr. Garry Ferguson, founder of Westernmar’s Vanguard Conglomerate. He personally funded the repatriation of the stolen blue-and-white porcelain artifact. Mr. Ferguson, these are my students, Briony and James.”
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