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“Because…” Rosita lowered her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “My mom told him we’re about to have the wedding.”
Stewart’s expression darkened. “Didn’t I say the wedding was off?”
“She was probably afraid Mr. Lockwood would look down on me, so in her panic, she told him everything–about us, and about Irwin too.”
Stewart narrowed his eyes, his voice icy. “I’ve made it clear–Irwin has nothing to do with the Lockwood family.” “I’m sorry.” Rosita’s voice broke, thick with emotion.
She knew Irwin was Stewart’s red line. Honestly, when Lauren mentioned Irwin, she’d felt angry too.
After all, Saul was no fool. If he started getting suspicious, everything they’d worked for could fall apart.
“My mom’s just worried I’ll keep getting pushed around by the Lockwoods. She thought that maybe, if she brought up your name, Saul would give me an easier time.”
“I understand.” Stewart glanced at his watch. “I’ll find some time in the next couple days to go with you to see the Lockwoods. It’s been years–I should pay Saul a visit. I have something urgent to take care of now. Zack will drive you back to Lunar Heights. Get some rest when you get home.”
Rosita gripped her teacup tightly. “Alright.”
Briony had made up her mind: she was leaving Northborough.
She’d set the date for one week later.
It was a decision she’d made after coming home from the hospital.
Stella had lost her memory, but according to Cedric Clarke and Scarlett, even though she’d forgotten many people and things, she seemed genuinely happy now.
Every day, Dr. Clarke–who adored her–was by her side, and her loving parents cared for her. She didn’t have to work or worry about her troublesome sister anymore.
As Stella herself put it, life was pretty sweet.
Over the past few days, Briony had received a few secret videos from Cedric Clarke.
In every video, Stella was beaming, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Briony watched them over and over, never tiring of it. She felt genuinely relieved.
She realized there was nothing left in this city to keep her here.
She marked the date on her calendar.
The day she would leave Northborough would also mark exactly twelve weeks of carrying her twins.
Gwendolyn White had already helped her book a doctor’s appointment, so once she arrived in Silveridge, she could go straight to the local hospital to set up her records.
Briony hadn’t told anyone about her plans to settle in Silveridge for her pregnancy. At the studio, she simply told Hannah and Black she’d be traveling out of town for professional development, and w sure how long she’d be gone.
They didn’t press for details–assuming she’d found new opportunities, they congratulated and supported her.
The studio would continue running after Briony left; she’d remain the owner, but would stop taking private commissions. Black, Lydia, and the others would keep working as usual.
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Chapter 242
James even said that if anything urgent came up, he’d step in for her.
Briony had arranged everything.
All that was left was finalizing her divorce from Stewart.
With a week to go, Briony wanted to make one last effort.
But she was prepared for the worst.
If Stewart still refused to divorce her by the time she had to leave, she’d simply go–she’d lay low and have the babies safely on her own.
She’d already looked into it; after two years of separation, it was much easier to have a divorce granted.
Today, Briony was scheduled to train the new childcare specialist at Southcreek Manor.
She’d planned to drive herself, but then Stewart called–he was already waiting downstairs.
After hanging up, Briony grabbed her bag and left the office.
James, knowing about her plans for the day, called out when he saw her, “Want me to drive you?”
“No need, Stewart’s downstairs.”
He snorted. “How considerate. Playing favorites, as always!”
It was true–when it came to Irwin, Stewart always showed favoritism.
Briony was used to it by now. She just told James, “Pick me up at five, sharp.”
“You got it!”
Briony had barely stepped outside the building when Stewart got out of the car.
He rounded the hood and opened the passenger door for her.
Briony didn’t even look at him. She simply opened the back door, slid into the seat, and closed it behind her.
Stewart raised an eyebrow but said nothing, shutting the door.
Neither of them spoke for the entire drive.
When they arrived at Southcreek Manor, Briony opened the car door and got out.
“Mom’s here!”
Irwin burst out of the house, arms wide, running toward Briony.
She furrowed her brow, shifted her purse in front of her, and held out her other hand to stop Irwin.
Stewart had just gotten out of the car too, and paused when he saw Briony’s reaction.
His gaze lingered on her, then dropped to where she held her bag protectively over her stomach, his eyes darkening.
Irwin’s arms were still outstretched, but with Briony’s hand on his forehead, he couldn’t get any closer–couldn’t hug her.
He frowned, disappointed. “Mom, we haven’t seen each other in ages. Won’t you give me a hug?”
Briony’s tone was cold. “Irwin, I told you–don’t call me Mom anymore.”
Irwin’s lips trembled. “But there’s nobody else here. Can’t I call you that, just this once?”
“No.”
Briony’s answer was firm. “You have your own mother now. Your father and I are divorced. Legally and
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otherwise, there’s nothing between us anymore.”
Chapter 24Z
