NovelUSAFrom the very first tshe met Crystal, Lorna had sensed that Crystal knew how to fight.
She also understood that Crystal wasn't just Briony's assistant-she was really a bodyguard, handpicked to protect the child, just disguised under a different title.
Ironically, Crystal's presence had made Lorna reassess Briony. Up until recently, she'd always thought Briony was too soft, that Stewart's schemes were far more than Briony could handle. But now, Briony's recent actions had genuinely surprised her.
Stewart's plan had finally cto fruition.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWith things as they were, maybe Stewart could finally leave with speace of mind.
As Carol was about to leave, Lorna called her back.
"If Briony asks about me," Lorna instructed, "tell her I betrayed Stewart and sided with Barrie. Say Stewart was devastated and went abroad to clear his head, and that the child is staying with her for now. When Stewart returns, he'll cand pick him up." Carol nodded. "Alright, I'll remember." After Carol left, Lorna returned to her guest room and started packing. She chose only the most expensive jewelry and designer handbags. If she was going to put on a show, she'd do it right.
Dragging two large suitcases behind her, Lorna stepped out into the hallway.
Cedric Clarke was waiting for her by the door.
Their eyes met, Cedric's expression grim. "Even when you're with Barrie, you need to be careful." Lorna gave a relaxed smile. "Don't worry. I'm not like Stewart. I grew up running with mercenaries. Dealing with those madmen is what I do best." Cedric's face was still clouded with concern.
She teased, "Con, don't look atlike that. In our line of work, nothing kills morale faster than a mournful face." Cedric tried to muster a smile. "It's just... I'm worried about Stewart's health." "Relax. The plan isn't finished yet. He's not going to drop dead on us." Cedric nodded, then asked, "Any news from Dr. Riley's lab?" "My brother hasn't contacted me, so I'm guessing there's still no progress." The truth was, not enough thad passed. Even if the experiment succeeded, Stewart might not live to see it. Cedric pinched the bridge of his nose. "I O be on duty here during the or my wife will flip out." at night, day, but I have to go hat night, "Alright. When you leave, have Carl take your place watching Stewart." Lorna continued, "Barrie's been pesteringnonstop. Stewart's situation is a nightmare, and now I've got to pretend I'm just heremet pick up my bags. After this, I'll Reed to stay close to Barrie, so I probably won't be back at Southcreek Manor for a while." "I understand," Cedric replied, studying her face.
He and Lorna lived in different worlds, and there was nothing he could do to help her. Still, the thought of her-just one woman-having to cozy up toscumbag like Barrie for the sake of their plan... it stung his conscience.
"Dr. Clarke," Lorna called him back, "don't look atwith those pitying eyes." Cedric blinked, caught off guard.
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Lorna turned and started hauling her suitcases toward the stairs. "If you knew how much Stewart's paying me, you'd be jealous." "How much?" Cedric asked, almost without thinking.
She held up three fingers.
"Thirty million?" he guessed.
"Three hundred million." Cedric stared, speechless.
At the landing, Lorna glanced back and flashed him a sly grin. "Once 1 finish this job, I'm retiring to the good life." Cedric forced a smile. "Well, good luck out there!"
At eleven-thirty, the driver took Carol and little Mato Skybreeze Retreat. Just as Lorna instructed, Carol told Briony everything.
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