James glanced at her in the rearview mirror several times, noticing that she was staring out the window, lost in thought.
When they finally pulled up outside the studio, he killed the engine and turned to her.
“We’re here,” he reminded gently.
Briony snapped out of her reverie, ducked her head, and unbuckled her seat belt.
Just as she reached for the door handle, James caught her wrist.
“What did Stewart say to you?” he asked.
Briony looked back at him, her lips curving into a faint, distant smile. “There’s a change in the contract. İ haven’t looked it over yet, but I’ll go through it carefully when I get home.”
James frowned. “Is that really all?”
She just smiled again. “That’s all. I’m not staying late tonight. You should head home.”
“Do you need me to have someone look over the agreement for you?”
“Not for now.”
At that, James released her hand.
Briony stepped out of the car, slung her purse over her shoulder, and headed straight into the building.
He watched her retreating figure until she disappeared into the elevator, then finally started the car and drove
off.
Private hospital room.
Lauren sat at the bedside, awkwardly peeling an apple.
Rosita was half–reclined against the pillows, her uninjured hand holding her phone as she talked to Maxine. “The backlash is out of control, Rosita. Even your fan club has shut down! This time, you really went too far!” “Jean, I’m sorry” Rosita replied, her voice soft and fragile. “But after all these years in the business, I’m just. tired”
She sounded so innocent, almost apologetic. “Whatever losses I’ve caused the company, tally them up and I’ll pay. Also, I have a termination agreement here. I’ll email it to you–please pass it on to the CEO for me.”
“Terminate your contract?!” Maxine gasped. “Are you sure about this? Even if you step away from the spotlight. as long as you keep your management contract, the company can always help you make a comeback in the future-
“This is already settled with Stewart, Rosita cut in gently. “He helped draft the termination, so it should be
fine
If Stewart was involved, Maxine knew there was no changing Rosita’s mind.
Reluctantly, she agreed and hung up.
Rosita set her phone aside and turned her gaze to Lauren, still fumbling with the apple.
Lauren was focused, but her knife skills left much to be desired.
Chapter 159
Well, it wasn’t surprising. Lauren had lived a life of comfort and privilege–she’d never needed to do something as mundane as peeling fruit herself. Today, she was clearly trying to play the doting mother.
Rosita’s eyes flashed with coldness, though her lips curled into a sweet smile. “Mom, you should stop. You’ll hurt yourself.”
Lauren glanced up and smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ve got nothing better to do. Oh, by the way, Irwin’s been having nightmares lately. He keeps crying that his mom and dad don’t want him anymore. He seems pretty shaken up–maybe we should have him see a therapist?”
At this, Rosita bowed her head and suddenly began to sob quietly
Lauren panicked. “What’s wrong? Did I say something I shouldn’t have?”
Frantically, Lauren set down the apple and knife, grabbed a handful of tissues, and dabbed at Rosita’s tears. “Don’t cry, sweetie. Please tell me what happened.”
Rosita sniffled, looking up at her mother, “Mom, Briony is pregnant. She’s carrying Stewart’s child.”
Lauren froze, disbelief written all over her face. “Are you sure?”
Rosita nodded. “1 found out by accident. Stewart doesn’t know yet. It seems like Briony wants to keep it a secret and have the baby on her own.”
“Mom, I know I shouldn’t be thinking this way, but my time is running out. I just worry that if I’m gone and Briony has the baby, what’s going to happen to Irwin…”
“Stewart must never find out about Briony’s pregnancy!” Lauren seized Rosita’s hand, her eyes flashing with ruthless determination. Leave this to me! You just focus on getting better and preparing to be the most beautiful bride.”
Chapter 160
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