Chapter 171
Rosita shook her head gently “Irwin’s still just a child, and honestly, Ms. Kensington has taken wonderful care of him. He’s a good–hearted boy, and it’s only right that he remembers her kindness”
Lauren’s worry only deepened at this. ‘Rosita, you’re too naive! I know you and Stewart have always had a steady marriage, and that Stewart married her for you and Irwin’s sake. But men–well, sometimes they just can’t resist temptation. And with your health these days..
Rosita’s expression tightened as she looked at her mother. “Mom, what are you trying to say?”
Lauren let out a sigh, resignation written all over her face. “You’ve just been sheltered for too long, that’s all. Stewart’s always protected you. Just–be careful, all right?”
Rosita only smiled, reaching out to squeeze Lauren’s hand gently as she tried to reassure her. “Don’t worry, Mom. I know exactly where I stand with Stewart. I appreciate your concern, truly, but I trust both Stewart and Irwin”
Lauren looked at her daughter, torn between frustration and helplessness at Rosita’s innocence. Good thing she’d made her own preparations–otherwise, her position as the future Wentworth family’s mother–in–law might not have been so secure!
Lauren kept Rosita company for a little while longer, until she got a call from one of her friends in high society. She’d made plans with Helga yesterday to go to Felipa’s house for a bridge game, and she couldn’t possibly
miss it
“Rosita, darling, I promised Helga I’d help with something today, so I have to run. Get plenty of rest and focus on getting better. Il come by again soon.”
Rosita nodded warmly. “Of course, Mom. Take care.”
With that, Lauren gathered her purse and hurried out.
As soon as the door to the hospital room closed, Rosita’s gentle expression faded to cold resolve.
She picked up her phone, opened her contacts, and, relying on memory, dialed a familiar number.
The call rang a few times before someone picked up.
“Garry.” Her voice trembled as she spoke, and tears spilled down her cheeks. Though she tried to keep her composure, her words came out choked with emotion. T’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t be bothering you again, but I just don’t know what to do anymore…”
Northborough International Airport.
Near the security checkpoint, Briony sat in the first row of waiting area chairs. A few rows behind her, Stella and James sat together in matching outfits–identical sunglasses and hats, looking every bit the couple. Just before nine o’clock, Stewart arrived, holding Irwin’s hand as they made their way toward security.
Behind them, Carl followed dutifully, hauling two large suitcases.
Stewart had traded his usual sharp suit for a charcoal overcoat layered over a black sweater, paired with dark blue jeans that emphasized his absurdly long legs; each stride revealed a glimpse of ankle beneath the hem. He cut a striking figure among the bustling travelers–tall, nearly six–foot–three, with an upright posture and chiseled, stoic features. He drew more than a few admiring glances from the women passing by.
Several women even tried to sneak photos with their phones; a few younger ones looked like they wanted to strike up a conversation, but as soon as they noticed the child at his side, they quickly thought better of it.
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Somewhere in the crowd, a woman sighed in disappointment. “All the good ones get snatched up young–no wonder the best men are always off the market!”
“I think I finally understand why Bryn was so obsessed for all those years,” Stella said with a dramatic sigh, nudging her sunglasses up as she watched Stewart stand out among the crowd. “It’s not just that he’s a heartbreaker–he’s ridiculously good looking, too!”
James turned to her, his eyes narrowing dangerously behind his glasses. “So what if he’s handsome? Serial killers can be good–looking, but that doesn’t stop them from getting the chair.”
Stella fell silent, lips pressed together.
James scoffed. “You need to be careful–not every pretty face is worth trusting, Character matters more than
looks.”
Stella nodded meekly. “Right. I’ll remember that.”
“Mom!”
Irwin spotted Briony and immediately let go of Stewart’s hand, racing toward her at full speed.
He ran so fast that Briony instinctively furrowed her brow, pulling her suitcase in front of her as a makeshift shield.
