Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 323

When Briony stepped inside, everyone was there except for Little Nina, who was still at preschool.

Carney was busy making tea, while James and Stewart sat across from each other at the table.

As soon as James saw Briony, he shot her a look of annoyance, lips pursed in clear disapproval.

Briony understood him perfectly, but only pressed her lips together and ignored Stewart entirely.

Stewart, for his part, barely glanced at Briony before turning back to Carney and resuming their earlier conversation.

Carney, of course, was not oblivious to the tension pulsing through the room. He cleared his throat and made an effort to keep chatting with Stewart, as if nothing were amiss.

Stewart was, after all, The Antiquarian Society's legal representative—a meeting like this came with the territory, and Carney couldn't exactly refuse. Besides, Stewart had carefully steered clear of any mention of Briony or Little Nina since stepping through the door, as if he were simply here to share a cup of tea with Carney and discuss matters of artifact preservation.

Carney knew perfectly well why Stewart had come today, but since Stewart refused to broach the subject, Carney could only play dumb and go along with the charade.

Gwendolyn White, however, had no patience for such pretense. She thought Carney was giving Stewart far too much leeway.

Still, with outsiders present, all she did was shoot Carney a frosty glare before rising from her seat and walking over to Briony.

She stopped in front of Briony, gave Crystal a once-over, and asked, "Bryn, and this is…?"

Briony introduced her, "This is Crystal, my college roommate. She just got back from overseas today." Then she turned to Crystal, "Crystal, this is my godmother, Mrs. Winslow—a fourth-generation heir of traditional culture."

Crystal extended both hands enthusiastically. "Mrs. Winslow, it's such an honor! I've seen your interviews—you're phenomenal. And you look even younger and more elegant in person!"

"Oh, you're making me blush!" Gwendolyn White laughed warmly, clasping Crystal's hands. "Since you're here, you must stay a few days. Make yourself at home, dear, don't stand on ceremony!"

Crystal grinned. "Absolutely!"

Briony said, "I'll take her upstairs to drop off her bags."

"The guest room's not tidied up yet!" Gwendolyn White interjected. "Let's do it together—I'll help, we'll be quicker."

"Godmother, I know you're worried." Briony gently took Gwendolyn White's hand, her voice soft and reassuring. "I know it's risky to take Little Nina back there. That's why I tracked down Crystal."

"What do you mean?"

Briony looked over at Crystal.

Crystal's eyes sparkled. "Mrs. Winslow, allow me to formally introduce myself: I have a black belt in judo, I'm a kickboxing champion, and I worked as a stunt double abroad for five years. When it comes to self-defense, I'm more than qualified."

"So you're saying…" Gwendolyn White paused, piecing it together. "You want Crystal to be your bodyguard?"

Briony nodded. "Yes, but to everyone else, she's just my personal assistant. It's best not to publicize her martial arts skills."

"I understand," Gwendolyn White replied, though she still looked uneasy. "I just worry that if trouble comes, we won't see it coming."

"But hiding won't make them leave us alone," Briony said, her tone icy calm. "I'll go back—but before I do, I'll make sure Stewart and I agree on my terms."