James sat in silence, his brow deeply furrowed.


    "At this point," Cedric rke said, his voice growing heavier with each word, "all I can say is that Stewart never truly intended to hurt Ms. Kensington. Of course, some of his actions did end up causing her a great deal of pain...”


    He trailed off, the weight of the situation settling between them.


    "But let''s give him onest chance. If he pulls through this, he''ll go to city hall next week and sign the divorce papers, just as he promised. If he doesn''t... well, for Ms. Kensington, it''s the difference between being divorced and being widowed. Either way, she''ll be free of Stewart in the end."


    James hesitated. Cedric wasn''t wrong, not really.


    It''s just being widowed felt a little too morbid.


    "Alright, I understand." James scratched his forehead, letting out a breath. "When Bryn wakes up, I''ll pass on everything you said."


    "Good. I''ll let you go, then."


    The call ended.


    Ferdinand nced at James, concern flickering over his features. "You look troubled. What did Dr. rke say?"


    James turned to him, still trying to wrap his mind around it. "He said... Bryn stabbed Stewart."


    Ferdinand''s eyes widened in surprise, but he recovered quickly-far quicker than James had.


    After only a moment, he asked, "How''s Stewart?”


    "Not great. He might..." James drew a finger across his throat in a grim gesture. Ferdinand pressed his lips together in thought.


    "Dr. rke said if Stewart survives, he''ll meet Bryn at city hall next Tuesday for the divorce. If not... Bryn will be a widow."


    At that, Ferdinand arched an eyebrow. "Well, morbid as it sounds, from another angle-it means she''ll inherit all of Stewart''s assets. Not the worst oue."


    James just stared at him.


    Three dayster, Briony was recovering well and cleared to go home.


    Her pneumonia wasn''t gone yet, but with Ferdinand''s help-he''d continue


    to nurse her back to health with 12


    herbal remedies-the worst was


    behind her.


    Back at Skybreeze Retreat, Marlene brought in a firece grate and set it down ceremoniously.


    No one could me Marlene for making a big deal of it; the past week had left everyone rattled.


    Standing by, Marlene called out, "Step over the fire to chase away the bad luck! Wishing you safety, good health, and a long, happy life!"


    Briony smiled faintly, then lifted her foot and stepped over the grate.


    Little Nina squealed that she wanted a turn, too. With a resigned sigh, James scooped her up and carried her over the fire as well.


    Nina pped her hands, her voice ringing out, "Step over the fire, bye-bye bad


    luck! Stay safe, live long, and be pretty forever!"


    The adults couldn''t help butugh at her antics.


    It was a bright, sunny day. Laughter and Nina''s delighted voice filled Skybreeze Retreat. Briony, James, and Ferdinand sat around the coffee table, sharing tea and conversation white sunlight streamed in


    In the kitchen, Marlene and Crystal were busy preparing lunch.


    Just then, Briony''s phone rang-Cedric rke.


    She hesitated for a moment, then answered.


    "Stewart''s out of intensive care today," Cedric said. "He asked me to let you know-if you''re avable tomorrow, he''d like to meet at city hall at nine a.m. to finalize the divorce."


    Briony had been waiting for this call for days.


    Now that it hade, she didn''t hesitate.


    "Alright," she replied, her voice calm and steady. "Tomorrow morning at nine."