Irwin’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “When the time comes, I’ll be Mom Bryn’s only child–she’ll love and take care of me forever!”
Lauren parked the car at the base of the office building.
Once they got out, she took Irwin’s hand and led him inside.
Irwin had visited here often before; he knew the place like the back of his hand. With practiced confidence, he guided Lauren straight to Briony’s studio.
The moment they stepped in, Hannah greeted them at the door.
At the sight of Irwin, Hannah’s brows knit together.
Briony had already warned her: if Irwin showed up again–no matter who brought him or what excuse was given–he was not to be let in.
Hannah didn’t recognize Lauren, so she put on a polite but firm smile. “Excuse me, ma’am, may I ask who you are? Is there something I can help you with?”
Lauren answered with calm warmth. “I’m Irwin’s grandmother. His parents are busy today, so I brought him along. We’ll leave right after we discuss the cooperation I mentioned.”
Cooperation?
Hannah gave Lauren a quick once–over.
Her elegant outfit and composed manner certainly gave off an air of wealth.
“I’m sorry, but our boss doesn’t take walk–ins. You’ll need an appointment. I’m afraid you’ll have to come another day.”
“I’m here on someone’s recommendation–Mr. Lewis of Northborough. I’m sure you know the name?”
Mr. Lewis had powerful connections; everyone in the city whispered about it.
Hannah knew better than to offend people like that.
She ushered them into the lounge with a forced smile, brought them coffee, and quickly slipped away to find Briony in the restoration room.
While Hannah was gone, Lauren caught Irwin’s eye and gave him a meaningful look.
Irwin took the cue. He slipped out of the lounge and made a beeline for the office.
He pushed the office door open and headed straight for the break room.
Inside, Irwin crouched by the bed and pulled a small box from his pocket.
He opened it to reveal a deep gray stone, its surface gleaming coldly.
Just as Lauren had taught him, he slid the little stone under the bed.
“Woof! Woof!“.
Out in the hallway, the golden retriever puppy locked in its crate suddenly began to bark furiously!
Hannah heard the racket and poked her head out of the restoration room, frowning at the puppy pawing at the cage door.
“Sorry, Lucky, you can’t come out today.” Hannah knelt and reached into the crate to scratch his head. “We’ve got some important clients coming, and one of them is afraid of dogs. You’ll have to stay put, okay?”
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Chapter 222
“Woof! Woof!” Lucky stared at Hannah, barking more urgently, as if trying to warn her about something.
Hannah couldn’t figure out what was wrong.
Briony emerged from the restoration room, frowning. “What’s wrong with Lucky?”
“I don’t know. He’s acting really anxious all of a sudden.”
Briony knelt beside him, stroking his head.
The puppy spun in frantic circles, barking nonstop.
Briony studied him, growing more concerned, “Do you think he might be sick?”
Lucky barked twice at her, then let out a mournful whimper.
Hannah couldn’t help but laugh. “He almost sounds like he’s trying to talk.”
Briony blinked, about to reply, when the office door opened behind them.
Irwin stepped out from behind the desk.
At the sound, both Briony and Hannah turned.
“Mom!” Irwin called, clutching his hands nervously.
He mustn’t let his mom find out!
Briony’s eyes narrowed as she saw him leave her office. “What were you doing in there?”
“I really had to pee…” Irwin blinked innocently. “Mom, I just needed to use the bathroom. You’re not mad, are you?”
Briony stood, her gaze cool. “Who brought you here?”
“Grandma…” Irwin lowered his head, too anxious to meet her eyes.
“Irwin.”
Lauren appeared in the hallway, heading their way.
Briony turned, her eyes narrowing at the sight of Lauren. “You’re the one who wants to talk business?”
“That’s right.” Lauren pulled a box from her bag and opened it to reveal a delicate porcelain cup.
“I heard Ms. Kensington’s restoration work is second to none. I mentioned it to Helga, and she told me Mr. Lewis got this cup at auction. Helga accidentally chipped it, and she hoped you could repair it. Money isn’t an issue.”
Briony glanced at the cup, then gave a cold laugh. “Sorry. I don’t restore fakes.”
“Fakes?” Lauren’s eyes widened. “Don’t be ridiculous! Mr. Lewis spent millions on that cup!”
“If you don’t trust my judgment, why bother coming to me?” Briony turned and walked toward the restoration room. “Hannah, see them out.”
“With pleasure.”
Hannah stepped up, gesturing to the exit. “Ma’am, let me show you the way.”
“Hmph! If you can’t fix it, just say so–no need for all this talk about fakes! As if Mr. Lewis would be fooled by a forgery!” Lauren snapped, grabbing Irwin’s hand. “Come on, Irwin, we’re leaving.”
Irwin obediently followed her.
Hannah rolled her eyes at their backs.
What a pair of weirdos.
Once they were back in the car, Lauren immediately leaned over. “Did you put the magic stone where it needed
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Chapter 222
to go?”
“All set!” Irwin was tense, but when he nodded, he clutched his chest in relief. “You said to put it right in the middle under the bed, so I did–just like you told me!”
“You’re amazing, sweetheart!” Lauren pulled him into a hug and kissed his forehead, her mood lifting instantly. “Come on, let’s get you a big lunch!”
“And then we’re going to FunRealm Park, right?”
“Of course! Anything to make you happy, Irwin.”
“You’re the best, Grandma!” Irwin’s joyful voice filled the car.
Lauren smiled, watching his innocent face–though her lips curled with a sly, secret satisfaction.
She turned her gaze back to the road, started the engine, and drove off.
