Chapter 27
Briony’s eyes widened in shock at the words.
Stewart arched an eyebrow, casting a sidelong glance at her. His gaze was cool and narrow, dark eyes half–lidded, but he said nothing.
Meanwhile, Rosita gave Julia a gentle, polite smile. “Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. How do you know Stewart?”
“I…” Julia faltered for a moment, searching for the right words, then simply replied, “Mr. Wentworth helped me through some difficult times. I owe him a lot.”
Rosita nodded in understanding, turning back to Stewart. “Irwin just called–he’s getting grumpy and wants us to come home. He misses you.”
Stewart gave a subtle nod. “He can’t always get his way. Tell him we’ll be back after we finish lunch.”
“You’re right,” Rosita agreed softly, picking up her phone and stepping out toward the private dining room.
“Irwin…” she murmured lovingly into the phone, though the door remained open and her gentle voice drifted in. “Daddy and I are having lunch with a very important friend… You’re my good boy, Irwin, and I’ll bring you a present when I get home…”
Julia’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth already have a child?”
Stewart didn’t answer, but Cedric Clarke quickly jumped in, sensing Julia’s discomfort. “Their little boy’s over five now–smart as a whip and absolutely adorable. Definitely takes after his parents!”
Stella shot Stewart a look as if she’d just stepped in something unpleasant.
Julia, meanwhile, offered a warm smile, “Of course. Any child of Mr. Wentworth’s is bound to be exceptional.”
Briony was looking paler by the second, like all the color had drained from her face.
Stella finally couldn’t take it anymore. She linked arms with the still–clueless Julia and said, “Julia, let’s take Bryn to the hospital and get that burn looked at!”
“Bryn’s hand!” Julia immediately turned to Briony, alarmed.
In just those few minutes, blisters had already formed across the back of Briony’s hand.
Julia’s heart twisted with guilt. “Oh my gosh, what was I thinking? Bryn, let’s get you to the hospital right now!”
Briony lowered her gaze and gave a small nod.
Stella and Julia hurried Briony out of the restaurant.
It was only after the trio had left that Stewart finally looked away.
Cedric Clarke eyed him thoughtfully, frowning slightly. “You know Ms. Hudson’s daughter, don’t you?”
Stewart shot him a sidelong glare, his voice ice–cold. “You’re awfully nosy.”
Cedric blinked in surprise. “Excuse me?”
It was nearly two in the afternoon by the time they returned home from the hospital.
On the way back, Briony called up room service and had lunch delivered to the house.
They ate a quick meal, and then, using her injury as an excuse, Briony retreated to her bedroom to rest.
Julia was unusually quiet, and Stella, not wanting to leave her alone, stayed behind to keep her company.
Meanwhile, Briony lay on her bed, drifting in and out of a restless sleep.
15:42
Chapter 77
Suddenly, her phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen and froze. Stewart.
A
Her first instinct was to let it ring, but then she remembered–he might be calling about the divorce papers. She forced herself to answer.
“Have you not been home these past few days?”
Stewart’s voice was as cold and steady as ever.
Briony told the truth. “I moved out.”
