NovelGoldChapter 456 A handsman and a beautiful woman-together, they were a sight that could make anyone stop and stare.
Joe stood on stage, microphone in hand, giving Briony a grand introduction to the crowd.
As the majority shareholder and founder of Novalith Industries, Briony drew every eye as she made her way up to the stage with calm, measured steps.
She and Joe stood at the center, exchanging pleasantries and polite banter for the audience. Throughout it all, Briony maintained a gentle smile, her striking eyes occasionally sweeping across the crowd. She never seemed to be looking at anyone in particular, but everyone felt as if she'd glanced right at them.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThat was when Stewart and Lorna arrived.
Stewart stopped abruptly, his gaze fixed on the poised woman speaking on stage. Lorna shot him a sideways glance, arching a brow with a sly smile. She leaned in, voice low and teasing, "Your ex-wife looks positively radiant after the divorce. Guess a bad marriage really does take its toll, huh?" Stewart narrowed his eyes and shot her a cold look.
Lorna just whistled, unfazed. "Look at that-stall, handsguy is even helping her off the stage. Damn, those legs. That's exactly my type." Stewart gave a sharp, derisive laugh. "He's into men." "Oh, feeling a little threatened?" Lorna grinned. "I met him at Skybreeze Retreat, and trust me, he's straight. The way he looks at your ex? Not exactly subtle." Stewart said nothing.
Onstage, James offered his arm and escorted Briony down the steps with impeccable manners.
Briony exhaled quietly in relief and leaned closer to James, murmuring, "I didn't make a fool of myself, did I?" James grinned. "Relax. You were rock-solid up there, Bryn." Only then did Briony truly relax.
James led her over to the buffet to find something to eat. Stewart and Lorna's gaze followed them all the way. When James went to get her a drink, someone else approached Briony.
It was Barrie brought over by Joe himself.
"Briony, letintroduce Mr. Lockwood from the Lockwood Group in Northborough," Joe announced. Barrie offered Briony a glass of champagne. "Ms. Kensington, I'm a great admirer of yours. May I?" Briony hesitated, meeting his eyes. The Lockwoods were people she'd rather avoid. But seeing Barrie here with Joe genuinely took her by surprise.
She offered a polite smile. "Sorry, I'm allergic to alcohol. My boyfriend went to getsjuice." No sooner had she spoken than James returned, carrying two glasses.
"All they had was watermelon juice and orange juice," he said, handing her the orange. "The Walon's a bit too cold-better stick with orange." Briony accepted the glass and smiled up at James.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmJames turned to Barrie, giving him a quick once-over. "And you are?" "Mr. Lockwood from the Lockwood Group," Briony supplied.
James extended a hand. "Ah, Mr. Lockwood. Nice to meet you."
Barrie shook his hand, a pleasant smile behind his glasses. "I never would have guessed MsKensington's boyfriend was Mr. Delaney. You two make quite the pair." James gave a practiced, polite smile. "Thanks for the compliment, Mr. Lockwood. Hope you enjoy the evening." Briony turned to Joe. "Joe, can you look after Mr. Lockwood? We'll be heading out now." Joe blinked in surprise. "Leaving already?" "We've made our appearance. That's enough," Briony replied, turning to James. "Let's go."
"Sure." James placed a reassuring hand at her waist, steering her Qm toward the exit. Behind them, Barrie watched their retreat, idly swirling the wine in his glass, his eyes cold and calculating. Across the room, Stewart's gaze fixed on James's arm around Briony as they walked away. His jaw tightened, the look in his evvel growing darker by the second.
Then, with a sharp crack, the stem of the wineglass in Stewart's hand snapped.
Lorna stared. "Just a friendly reminder-that's your ex-wife. She's single now and dating isn't a crime... Hey! Where are you going?!"
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
