Chapter 340
Ferdinand cradled little Nina in his arms, his deep eyes fixed on Stewart.
For a brief moment, the two men locked eyes–no words were spoken, but the tension in the air spoke volumes.
Little Nina, full and content, was growing drowsy. She sprawled sleepily on Ferdinand’s
shoulder, barely keeping her eyes open.
Stewart walked over, casting a glance at Little Nina before turning to Briony. “She’s tired. Let me take you both home.”
Briony’s gaze was icy. “Stewart, there’s no need for this.”
A hint of a smirk tugged at Stewart’s Jips as his dark eyes lingered on her. “We’re married, Briony. It’s only natural I bring you and our daughter home.”
Briony frowned, irritation flickering across her face.
“Mrs. Wentworth, let’s go,” Stewart said, his voice smooth but his smile tight. “We’re in public, after all. Let’s keep up appearances, shall we?”
His words sounded like a suggestion, but Briony caught the edge of warning beneath his tone.
They were, after all, out in public. Now wasn’t the time for a fight–and Little Nina was still in Ferdinand’s arms.
Briony pressed her lips together, drew a steadying breath, and looked at Ferdinand. “Thank you, Mr. Ellsworth. I’ll take Little Nina home for now. Please drive safely.”
“Of course.” Ferdinand didn’t argue. He gently handed Little Nina over.
Briony took her daughter into her arms.
Little Nina, barely awake, nestled into her mother’s shoulder, found a comfortable spot, yawned, and slipped right back to sleep.
Without another word, Briony carried Little Nina straight to the waiting black Mercedes.
Carl hurried over to open the rear door.
Briony ducked inside, still cradling her sleeping child.
The car door shut quietly behind her, and she turned to look out the window.
Stewart hadn’t gotten in yet.
He seemed to be talking to Ferdinand outside.
Briony couldn’t hear what they were saying, but she saw Ferdinand glance in her direction.
A moment later, Stewart broke away and walked toward the car.
Chapter 340
Briony looked away.
The drive home was silent and suffocating. No one spoke; the tension was thick enough to choke on.
Carl drove with absolute caution, barely daring to breathe.
Ten minutes later, the Mercedes pulled into the driveway of their villa.
Briony opened the door herself and stepped out, still carrying Little Nina.
She headed straight upstairs.
Little Nina was sound asleep; Briony had no intention of waking her.
She ran a basin of warm water in the bathroom and gently wiped her daughter’s face and
hands.
Once Little Nina was truly asleep, nothing could wake her.
Briony changed her into pajamas, tucked her in, raised the bedrails, and carried the basin back
to the bathroom.
As she came out, the bedroom door opened.
Stewart walked in.
He stopped at the bedside, eyes lingering on his daughter’s peaceful face.
Briony emerged from the bathroom and saw him standing there. Her brow furrowed
immediately.
“She’s asleep,” she said coolly, leaning against the bathroom doorway. “And I’m tired too. Please leave.”
Stewart turned, his dark gaze fixed on her.
“Briony, you shouldn’t be so close to Ferdinand.”
Briony paused, caught off guard.
“Ferdinand isn’t as simple as he seems. Don’t let his charm fool you.”
The same old lecture.
Briony let out a cold laugh. “As far as I’m concerned, no one is more dangerous than you.”
Stewart’s frown deepened. “I’m warning you for your own good.”
“I don’t trust you, not anymore. And frankly,” Briony’s eyes were cool, “who I choose to spend time with is my business, not yours.”
“Not my business?” Stewart scoffed, voice low and sharp. “I’m your husband, Mrs. Wentworth. Are you getting so close to other men because you want to make a fool of me?”
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