Briony drifted in and out of consciousness for a day and a night. When she finally


    woke, her head throbbed and every muscle ached.


    The room was dim, shadows pooled in the corners.


    She tried to lift her hand, only to realize someone was holding it.


    Startled, she turned her head.


    The man beside her opened his eyes, dark and intent as they met hers.


    "You''re awake?"


    Briony''s breath caught. She tried to pull her hand away, but he wouldn''t let go.


    "Stewart, you—" Her voice broke off into a painful, scratchy cough.


    Stewart was instantly on his feet, stepping away from the bed.


    He poured a ss of warm water from a thermos and returned to her side.


    "Here, drink some water. It''ll help your throat."


    He steadied the cup in one hand and gently helped her sit up with the other.


    Briony''s coughing fit left her cheeks flushed. She pped the cup from his hand- water sshed everywhere, shards of ss scattered across the floor.


    She shoved him away, bracing herself on the bed, her eyes zing with anger and hurt. "I don''t need your fake concern... cough..."


    Stewart watched her, lips pressed into a tight, silent line. She looked so stubborn, so miserable.


    After a long pause, he let out a heavy sigh and left the room.


    Momentster, the door opened again.


    Bianca entered, carrying a mug.


    "Ma''am, your throat''s inmed. I made you some tea. Drink a little-it should soothe you."


    Briony epted the mug Bianca offered, and the warmth eased her raw throat. Bianca set the mug aside, her expression soft with concern.


    "Ma''am, I don''t know what happened between you and Mr. Stewart, but I can tell he truly cares. You were burning up, unconscious for a whole day and night. He never left your side."


    Briony frowned. "I slept that long?"


    "Yes. The doctor came-said your fever was from severe inmmation, but you''ve had an IV and your temperature''s dropping. The doctor will check on you againter."


    Briony fell silent, brows furrowed.


    That meant she''d been cut off from the outside world for three days now.


    James and the others must have realized something was wrong by now. If they''d alerted the police, Southcreek Manor would definitely be on their radar.


    "Ma''am, are you hungry? Is there anything you''d like to eat?"


    She wasn''t hungry, but after a moment''s thought said, "Some in noodles, please."


    "Of course."


    Once Bianca left, Briony threw off the covers and tried to stand.


    Pain shot through her left ankle, but she gritted her teeth and took a few tentative steps.


    She nced at the door, then hobbled toward it.


    Just as her fingers brushed the doorknob, the chain around her ankle jerked tight, stopping her cold.


    She clenched her jaw in frustration.


    At that moment, the door swung open.


    Briony stumbled back, startled.


    Stewart entered, shutting the door behind him.


    She stood tense a few paces away, watching him warily.


    A strip of bandage covered Stewart''s temple—a wound she''d inflicted with amp days ago.


    Seeing it brought the memory of that night flooding back-his force, her terror. Her breath caught. Her spine stiffened.


    Stewart''s gaze dropped to her left foot, then lifted to her face. "Does your ankle still hurt?"


    "Let me go," Briony pleaded, desperation in her voice. "Please, Stewart. I''m begging you. Just let me go."


    "You don''t have to be afraid of me, Bryn."


    He


    been three days.


    myher, eyes dark and


    a little longer-four Justet


    will


    before you know it."


    "I don''t want to hold on for even a second, Stewart. Little Nina must be terrified not knowing where I am. I won''t ask you to love her, but


    do and I can''t bear the thought of her being afraid!"


    Stewart was silent, his lips pressed tight.


    After a moment, he said quietly, "James called the police. They''re already investigating."


    Briony froze.


    "Think there''s hope now?" Stewart


    Inét


    let out a hollowugh. "Bryn, it''s useless. They''ll never find us. Even if I took off your chain right now, you wouldn''t get away."  fo


    His certainty made Briony''s fear grow.


    "If you''re so sure I can''t escape, then unlock the chain," she challenged.


    Stewart''s lips curled into a faint smile. "Alright."


    At James''s insistence, the police handling Briony''s disappearance arrived at


    Southcreek Manor, search warrant in hand.