Chapter 217
Irwin’s wailing instantly drew every pair of eyes in the room.
Briony’s irritation was palpable. “Stewart, are you doing this on purpose?”
“I told you, Irwin’s been acting out these last few days.” Stewart’s expression was calm, showing no sign of guilt or evasion.
“I’m not going to keep giving in to him.” Briony’s voice was icy. “I don’t owe him anything.”
Stewart frowned. “If he throws a tantrum, I can’t calm him down either.”
“Then have Carl take him to the car to wait.”
Stewart turned to Carl.
Carl immediately stepped forward, arms outstretched. “Come on, buddy. Let’s go wait in the car, okay?”
“I don’t want to!”
Irwin slapped Carl’s hands away and started crying even harder, his sobs echoing through the hall.
The commotion was so loud that even the staff came over to intervene.
“You already have a child together,” one staff member said, trying to mediate. “Maybe talk things through? Look at how scared he is. As parents, you can’t be so selfish–divorce always hurts the child most.”
But Briony refused to budge.
Irwin kept crying, his voice hoarse as he pleaded, “Please don’t get divorced, Mom and Dad!”
The staff looked at Irwin, their gazes heavy with reproach as they turned to Briony. “You’re his mother. How can you stand to see your child in this state?”
Briony’s patience snapped.
She looked straight at the staffer, her face cold. “I’m his stepmother. His real mother and father are getting back together. Isn’t it reasonable for me to step aside and let them be?”
The staff member fell silent, uncertain.
Briony arched a brow, lips curling into a faint, sarcastic smile. “Still want to keep lecturing me?”
Awkward silence hung in the air. The staffer forced a smile, then quietly retreated.
At that moment, their number was called.
Briony glanced at Stewart. “Let’s go. Sign the papers, stamp a seal, and we’re done.”
She turned and headed toward the counter, not looking back. Stewart watched her walk away, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Suddenly, Irwin began to cough violently.
“Dad, I don’t feel good…”
Briony stopped in her tracks. By the time she turned around, Stewart had already scooped Irwin into his arms and was rushing out the door.
Irwin was having an asthma attack.
By the time Briony reached the entrance, she saw Stewart’s car peel away from the curb, speeding down the
street.
For a long moment, Briony just stared at the number slip in her hand.
Maybe it was because Stewart had pulled tricks like this too many times. Now, she couldn’t even muster anger.
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It all felt pointless.
She tossed the slip in the trash, steeled her face, and strode out of city hall.
Rain drizzled steadily as Briony drove back to her studio, thoughts of the failed divorce swirling in her mind.
By now, she was certain–Stewart had no intention of letting her go.
Whatever his reasons, it was a disaster for her.
She had to finalize the divorce before her pregnancy started to show. Only then could she be free, able to leave this place without a backward glance.
But how could she possibly force Stewart to cooperate?
The more she dwelled on it, the more powerless she felt, as if her fate was out of her hands.
When she pulled into the building’s underground garage, she didn’t get out right away. Instead, she slumped over the steering wheel and let out a long, shaky breath.
Her phone buzzed from inside her bag.
It was Carney Winslow.
She answered right away. “Professor.”
“How’s your recovery coming along?”
“I’m stable now. I should be able to restore the artifacts in the next couple of days.”
“Your health comes first. The artifacts can wait.” Carney paused. “I’m calling with some good news, actually.”
“I’m listening.”
“The national arts council is making a documentary about artifact restoration. They asked me to recommend a young restorer, and I’d like to put your name forward.”
Briony was surprised. “Just one spot? Mr. Delaney is even younger than I am, and he’s just as capable.”
“He’s talented, but lacks composure–and you know how he is, can’t keep his mouth shut. This is a national broadcast. I think your temperament and skill are a better fit.”
Carney continued, “Of course, there are a few older experts being considered as well. They’ve done documentaries before, so they have experience. You’re the newcomer. If you join the shoot, I can introduce you to them.”
Meeting the senior restorers would be an incredible opportunity for someone just starting out.
Briony agreed to participate.
“The filming is in Silveridge, starts early next month, about a week.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
After hanging up, Briony felt her mood lift for the first time in days.
The best decision she’d made in these five years was never giving up on her career, no matter how hard things
got.
The elevator doors slid open.
Briony stepped out and walked into her studio.
No sooner had she entered than Hannah hurried over.
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“Briony, Mr. Ferguson is here.”
Briony frowned. “What does he want?”
“Says he needs to see you. I told him you weren’t in, but he didn’t mind waiting. He’s in the lounge–I brought him some coffee and left him there.”
“Thanks, I’ve got it.”
Briony headed straight for the lounge.
Inside, Garry sat on the couch, legs crossed, reading a magazine.
She pushed open the door and entered.
Garry looked up, a smile flickering in his deep–set eyes. “Ms. Kensington, sorry to bother you again.”
“If you know you’re a bother, you shouldn’t have come.” Briony stood by the door, gaze cool and unyielding. “Garry, I’m busy. I don’t have time to waste on you.”
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