As for everything else, she could handle it herself.


    Two dayster, Ferdinand''s uncle, Kendal Ellsworth, arrived.


    Kendal had a refined look about him. Dressed in a stylish linen zer and cks, he looked every inch the distinguished gentleman-hard to believe he was


    already forty-five.


    Gina had once whispered to Briony, marveling, "The Ellsworth genes are something else; I bet Ferdinand''s uncle left quite a trail of broken hearts back in


    the day!"


    Briony couldn''t have agreed more.


    But Kendal wasn''t just handsome; his approachable, warm demeanor made all the difference. Maybe that''s why Julia didn''t show the slightest hint of resistance or difort around him.


    After checking Julia''s pulse with calm expertise, Kendal delivered his verdict. "It''s nothing serious. With some care and rest, she should be fully lucid again in about six months."


    Briony was surprised-frankly, it sounded a bit like something out of a fairy tale.


    But this was Ferdinand''s uncle, after all; questioning him felt inappropriate. Sensing Briony''s uncertainty, Ferdinand suggested they all apany Julia to the countryside.


    Briony happily agreed.


    Kendal definitely knew how to live well. Though he kept a ce in the country, it was only a two-hour drive from the old town.


    Half the journey wound along mountain roads, making for a slow, scenic trip. Though everyone called it "the countryside," it was really a cluster of cottages nestled halfway up a lush green mountain.


    It was like stepping into a hidden paradise.


    The air was crisp and clean, the scenery gorgeous-shimmering streams and rolling hills. There were only a handful of families in the vige, most of them growing medicinal herbs for a living.


    Kendal''s home was a renovated farmhouse, an old stone manor updated forfort and practicality. Its thick walls and sturdy beams made it perfect for storing herbs, but the living spaces were bright, spotless, and surprisingly cozy. He shared the ce with an elderly gentleman everyone called Mr. Ellsworth, a distant family rtive.


    With Gina there as well, the house never felt lonely.


    Briony and Ferdinand stayed for two days, making sure Julia had settled in and wasfortable with her new surroundings before heading back to the old town together.


    The moment they drove into town, Briony''s phone rang.


    "I''m at the airport."


    The woman''s voice was crisp and a little haughty.


    Briony smiled, "I''lle pick you up."


    Ferdinand nced over, "A friend''sing?"


    Briony nodded. "Mm-hmm."


    "Want me toe with you?"


    "No need. Just take me home, I''ll drive myself."


    "Alright."


    Briony swung by her ce, grabbed a folder, and headed out with her keys.


    At the airport, she parked and made her way inside.


    The arrivals lounge buzzed with travelers, but near the exit, a tall woman in sunsses wheeled her suitcase out into the crowd.


    Briony spotted her instantly and waved.


    The woman paused, tugged down her sunsses, and gave Briony a long, appraising look.


    As Briony approached, she grinned. "What''s wrong, can''t recognize me after all these years?"


    "Holy hell!" The woman burst out in a halfugh, half-expletive, her dramatic makeup making her eyes look even rounder. "It''s been years and you haven''t aged a day!"


    Briony blinked. Was thirty really old enough to start worrying about that?


    The woman leaned in, scanning Briony''s face intently. "Your skin is wless-how many cogen injections have you had? Did you get a nose job? And your chest did you have work done? It looks so natural! Where did you go? Give me the number!"


    Briony sighed at her friend''s usual bluntness. "I haven''t had anything done."


    "No way!" Her friend looked genuinely shocked. "If you can look like this without a little help, what does that say about the rest of us actresses?"


    "Actress?" Briony arched an eyebrow. "Thought you were always a stunt double." Her friend paused, then huffed, "Other stunt doubles don''t care, but I do!"


    Briony grinned. "Crystal, maybe lose the heavy eyeliner before you start talking about image. We''re not exactly short on national treasures here anymore."


    Crystal rolled her eyes but didn''t argue.


    On the drive back, Briony brought up business.


    "So, you really want to hire me as a bodyguard?"


    "That''s right," Briony said. "I''ll give you an annual sry."


    Crystal frowned, "Look, I''m a stuntwoman because I want to be an action star in Hollywood, not because I''m chasing a paycheck. I have dreams, and dreams are priceless. I''m not going to—"


    "One hundred and twenty thousand."


    Crystal stared at her. "How much?! Say that again?"


    "One hundred and twenty thousand," Briony repeated. "Plus full benefits and paid vacation."


    "Stop talking," Crystal said, suddenly solemn. "If you keep going, I''m afraid I''ll drop to my knees and call you ''boss'' on the spot."


    Briony could only shake her head.


    ...


    Twenty minutester, they pulled up to Briony''s house.


    A long, gleaming Rolls-Royce was parked at the curb.


    Briony nced at it, instantly guessing Stewart had arrived.


    It was, after all, exactly one week.


    She looked away, a cool smile tugging at her lips.


    Stewart, it seemed, was a man who kept his word.