21:16
υπάρχει του
Chapter 280
She glanced at the master bedroom door, shut tight as always, and a flicker of disappointment passed over her
face.
Ever since Irwin started elementary school, Stewart had come home less and less.
Irwin, at least, tried to be understanding. He knew that Stewart had become even busier after taking over The Wentworth Group, and so he stopped crying and pleading for Stewart to come home to spend time with him.
When Stewart did come back, he’d talk with Irwin for a bit, and then either retreat to his study or lock himself away in the master bedroom.
Jeannie barely got a chance to exchange a few words with him.
Thinking about it, Jeannie sighed quietly to herself.
Inside the master bedroom, Stewart stepped out of the bathroom, fresh from his shower, just as his phone began to ring. Cedric Clarke’s name flashed on the screen.
He answered, and Cedric’s voice came through immediately. “Lauren came in for tests at our hospital today. It’s late–stage pancreatic cancer.”
A faint smile tugged at Stewart’s lips. “Does Gavin know?”
“She went alone–she’s HIV–positive, there’s no way she’d let Gavin come to the hospital with her!”
Cedric paused, then added, “But she’s been with Gavin for four years. Odds are, he won’t escape unscathed either. I’m not saying I feel sorry for Gavin, but honestly, I do pity Mrs. Prescott a little.”
“I warned Jason,” Stewart replied coolly. “If he’s not a fool, he’ll know to make arrangements for Mrs. Prescott in advance.”
Cedric let out a sigh, about to say more, when the wailing of a child echoed in the background.
“Gotta go. The baby’s crying again–I need to calm him down…”
The call ended abruptly.
Stewart stared at his phone, the sound of the child’s sobs lingering in his ears.
He raised a large hand to cover his eyes.
The night stretched on, long and merciless.
Silverlake Town.
At dawn, the first gentle rays of sunlight parted the night’s veil, and the old town slowly woke from its slumber.
Morning light pierced the thin mist, scattering across the uneven rooftops of brick and slate.
Deep in the winding alleys, the occasional crow of a rooster or bark of a dog mingled with the faint rush of the river nearby.
Along the riverbanks, families set breakfast fires, the smoke curling into the morning fog, filling the air with the comforting scent of home.
In a townhouse draped with bougainvillea, on the east side of the second floor, an alarm sounded from the bedside table–its recording was right on cue: “Ring ring, ring ring–Little Nina, time to wake up!”
The cheerful, childish voice was full of life.
On the big bed, a little girl frowned in her sleep, rolled over, and snuggled deeper into her mother’s arms.
1/3
21:16
།
Chapter 280
Briony, eyes half–closed, hugged her daughter close and pressed a gentle kiss to her hair. “Good morning, sweetheart.”
“Your sweetheart is still sleepy!”
The little voice was soft and sweet, unmistakably cranky from being woken up.
Briony couldn’t help but laugh, giving her daughter’s chubby bottom a gentle pat. “It’s Monday, darling. Remember, you promised your teacher you wouldn’t be late again.”
“Huh?” Little Nina peeked up, her big eyes crinkling into sleepy slits, lips pouting. “Then give me a magic mommy kiss, or I can’t get up~”
Briony leaned in and planted a kiss on her rosy cheek. “Alright, time to get up and help Mommy with the toothpaste.”
“Okay!”
Just a moment ago, she was whining, but now Little Nina wriggled out from under the covers, slid into her cartoon slippers, and scampered off to the bathroom.
Soon, her childish singing echoed from the bathroom: “I’ll turn the world upside down, chase the wind and fire between the mountains…”
Briony listened, unable to stop smiling.
Her daughter really was obsessed with superheroes these days.
“Mommy, I finished brushing my teeth! And I squeezed your toothpaste, too!”
Briony set her daughter’s clothes on the bed and ruffled her hair. “Thank you, Little Nina.”
She doted on her daughter, but still tried to teach her to be independent.
Little Nina fetched her clothes and started changing by herself. “Mommy, you have to hurry too!”
“I’m coming.”
Once they were both washed and dressed, they headed downstairs together.
Briony went to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
Little Nina packed her own backpack.
Just then, a video call came in from James.
Briony answered and handed the phone to Little Nina.
Little Nina set the phone on the table, cupping her chubby cheeks in her hands. “Godfather, you’re up early! Didn’t sleep in for once–are you lovesick and can’t sleep?”
James just sighed–a familiar routine. “First of all, your godfather has always been single, so there’s no heartbreak to keep me up! Second, I’m overseas–it’s evening here.”
“Ohhh.” Little Nina blinked her big, pretty eyes. “So you won’t make it to my birthday this year?”
“When have I ever missed your birthday?” James replied. “I’m done with work here, already on my way to the airport. By the time you wake up tomorrow, I’ll be there. Now hand the phone to your mom, I have something important to discuss.”
“Okay!”
Little Nina carried the phone into the kitchen. “Mommy, Godfather wants to talk to you!”
“Alright.” Briony took the phone, set out a bowl of warm soup and fresh rolls on the table. “Little Nina, start eating breakfast. Mommy’s going to talk with Godfather.”
“Okay.”
2/3
21:17
Chapter 280
Briony left for the kitchen and closed the door behind her.
James lowered his voice. “Rosita and Garry are getting married,”
Briony froze, her expression turning cold. “She’s coming back?”
“Yes. The gossip blogs are already churning out stories. Garry’s crazy about her–Westenmar can’t stop talking about their wedding. He’s supposedly planning a lavish ceremony, and rumor has it her comeback movie is being financed by Garry. Oh, and apparently, they even have a child together,”
21.17
