"No, thanks." James''s tone turned icy in an instant. "My family''s pretty strict. They want me to settle down with someone from a simr background, someone...


    uplicated."


    Lorna let out a soft chuckle. "Wow, Mr. Dney, that''s harsh. If you want to turn me down, just say it—no need for the backhandedpliments."


    James stiffened, looking flustered. "That''s not what I meant. I just... your line of work is dangerous. My family wouldn''t be able to handle it..."


    "Oh, rx." Lorna waved him off dismissively. "I was just messing with you. Did you really think I was serious? I just have a habit of flirting with handsome men- can''t help myself. If the guy''s open to a one-night stand, I''m game, but as for an actual rtionship? Please. Men are all the same once the fun''s over, they zip up and move on."


    James fell silent, lips pressed tight, ring at Lorna. His ears were burning red.


    After a moment, he managed to choke out, "Lorna, have you no shame?"


    "It''s only human nature. What''s there to be embarrassed about?" Lorna gave him a mocking little smile, eyeing his flushed ears and shaking her head with a click of her tongue. “Look at you—such an innocent little boy. I''d probably have to teach you a thing or two, and honestly? I''m not that interested."


    "Lorna!" James spluttered, half-angry, half-mortified. "Watch your mouth! If the kids hear you, that''s not appropriate!"


    Lorna rolled her eyes, clearly done with the conversation, and sauntered out of the room.


    James watched her go, a firestorm of frustration and confusion brewing in his chest.


    God, she''s not a special agent-she''s a damn hooligan.


    NortiaSanctonia Private Estate.


    Just one week remained until the wedding.


    Briony''s health was finally stable, though she''d grown thin and pale.


    The custom gown Ferdinand hadmissioned arrived that day.


    But after trying it on, it was clear the dress was far too big. Ferdinand immediately sent it back to the designer for alterations.


    Briony didn''t seem to care much about it.


    Ferdinand, on the other hand, took it extremely seriously. After the dress was


    returned, he personally called the designer to discuss the changes.


    He was more invested in this wedding than anyone else.


    Belinda, unaware of the tangled history between them, watched from the sidelines with a fond, almost motherly smile. "Mr. Ellsworth really dotes on his wife."  fo


    Mary was present as well when she said this.


    Briony nced instinctively at Mary.


    Mary kept her head bowed, twisting her hands in herp.


    Briony looked away.


    That evening, Ferdinand left the house.


    Briony, using the excuse of wanting to admire the flowers, asked Mary to join her


    for a walk in the back garden.


    Belinda followed along.


    When they reached the garden, Briony turned to Belinda. "I suddenly have a craving for lemon drizzle cake. Belinda, do you know how to make it?"


    Belinda blinked in surprise. "I do, but it takes a bit of time."


    "Go ahead, I don''t mind waiting." Briony settled into a wicker chair nearby.


    Belinda nodded and headed back inside.


    The side gate to the yard was locked, and security had been


    doubled throughout the


    Belinda had no worry that Briony might try to run off again.


    Once they were alone, Briony turned to Mary. "Come, sit with me."


    Mary moved to sit beside her.


    "Briony, I know what you''re going to say." Mary spoke quietly, one hand gently


    resting on her belly. "But I won''t give up this baby."


    Briony studied her for a long


    moment before finally asking, "Have you really thought about this child''s future? His father is a criminal, Mary. Back home, when a parentmits a serious crime, it follows the next generation."