Chapter 339
At that moment, Stewart happened to glance over from his private booth.
Their eyes met for a brief second before Briony quickly looked away. “No, thanks. We’re meeting someone,” she said, her voice cool.
With that, Briony led Crystal and Little Nina out and into the booth next door.
Jeannie watched the door close, her hazel eyes flickering with uncertainty.
She turned back to Stewart, offering an apologetic smile. “Mr. Wentworth, I’m sorry–did I say something wrong again?”
Stewart didn’t reply. He just cast a look at Irwin.
Irwin kept his head down, looking utterly crestfallen.
Stewart’s gaze darkened as he turned away.
Next door.
Briony set Little Nina down in a high chair.
Crystal glanced at the little girl, hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Bryn, what do you think of Ms. Radcliffe?”
Briony paused before answering, her tone neutral. “She’s… alright, I suppose.”
Little Nina was busy munching on fruit, her big eyes drifting from her mother to Crystal and back again.
Seeing the child’s curious expression, Crystal decided to drop the subject. It wasn’t the kind of conversation to have in front of kids.
Ferdinand arrived soon after.
The second Little Nina saw him, her face lit up with delight.
“Mr. Ellsworth!” she squealed, arms outstretched. “Pick me up!”
Ferdinand walked over and scooped her into his arms.
“Did you miss Mr. Ellsworth, Little Nina?”
“Of course!” she chirped, lips puckered in a pout. “I missed you so much I even dreamed about you making me those yummy fruit candies!”
That made all three adults laugh.
“If you want more candy, I’ll make some for you tomorrow,” Ferdinand promised.
20:20
Chapter 339
“Really?” Little Nina’s eyes sparkled. “Mr. Ellsworth, are you moving to Northborough like me and Mommy?”
He chuckled. “No, I’m just here for work.”
“Oh…” Disappointed, Little Nina’s shoulders drooped. “Then I won’t get to see you much, will I?”
“Not right away,” Ferdinand said, tweaking her nose. “I’ll be here for a while this time–maybe two weeks.”
“Two weeks goes by in a flash!” Little Nina huffed, frowning.
Ferdinand smiled and settled her back into her high chair, then took the seat next to Briony.
Briony handed him the menu, but he politely slid it back to her. “I’m not picky–order whatever you like.”
Briony had seen for herself during the days in the countryside just how easygoing he was about food–he truly wasn’t fussy.
She let it go and smiled faintly. “Alright, I’ll order the house specialties.”
They lingered over dinner until eight o’clock.
When they finally stepped out of the restaurant, Stewart’s black Mercedes was parked at the
curb.
Briony’s brow creased in annoyance.
Carl, Stewart’s driver, got out and approached her. “Ma’am, Mr. Wentworth is waiting in the car. He’d like to take you and Little Nina home.”
Briony’s patience was thin. “There’s not enough room. We’ll go ourselves.”
“Ms. Radcliffe and the young master have already left,” Carl replied politely.
Briony pressed her lips together. “I have my own car.”
Carl remained courteous. “Miss Crystal can drive your car back, Mr. Wentworth has been waiting here for quite a while. Would you mind giving him this courtesy?”
Honestly, Briony didn’t want to.
But just then, Stewart stepped out of the car and started walking towards them.
