Chapter 294
The little girl was surprisingly strong. Mario was caught off guard by her push and tumbled right into Briony’s arms.
Briony quickly reached out and caught him.
For a moment, as she held him, Mario caught the faintest trace of a gentle floral scent. The tension in his tiny body melted away almost instantly.
Sensing the boy relax in her embrace, Briony smiled and gently stroked his hair. “You’re such a good boy, Mario.”
Mario blinked up at her, then slowly let his head rest against her shoulder.
He was quiet, docile, and sweet–so much so that any adult watching would have let out a soft sigh.
Children like him, angels in their own way, needed more patience and love than most. They deserved not just acceptance, but encouragement and gentle support.
Carol was clearly moved. “If my boss could see how much Mario has improved, he’d be over the
moon.”
Still holding Mario, Briony couldn’t help but compare him to Little Nina in her mind.
Compared to chubby, energetic Nina, Mario seemed so fragile–thin and a little underweight.
She turned to Carol. “With Mario’s condition, I’d really recommend your boss take him to see Dr. Ferdinand at the town clinic. Nina was premature and had allergies. She was constantly sick and underweight her whole first year. Dr. Ellsworth worked wonders for her.”
Carol’s eyes widened. “Really? That’s amazing! I’ll definitely tell my boss about him.”
“I’ll give you his card.” Briony gently set Mario down and walked to the shelf. She opened a small box and pulled out one of Ferdinand’s business cards.
Handing it over, she said, “His phone and address are on here.”
Carol accepted the card gratefully. “Thank you! You and Nina are real lifesavers for our little
one.”
Briony shook her head with a soft laugh. “Hardly lifesavers. Maybe just a bit of fate, that’s all.” She ruffled Mario’s hair, her voice warm and gentle. “Mario, would you and Nina like to go play in the living room for a while?”
Mario nodded.
Briony crouched down to meet his gaze, her smile tender. “You have such a lovely voice, Mario. Can I hear it again?”
Mario opened his mouth hesitantly, then whispered, “Okay.”
1/3
17:15
Chapter 294
“That’s wonderful!” Briony tousled his hair and turned to Nina. “Why don’t you show Mario your toys?”
“Sure!”
Nina immediately grabbed Mario’s hand, her face lighting up, and the two of them dashed off to the living room to play.
Mario seemed more than happy to follow her lead.
Nina dragged out her toy chest and dumped everything onto the rug. “Mario, you can pick any toy you like! If you find one you love, I’ll give it to you–but you can only choose one, okay?”
The two kids played together, completely absorbed, leaving the adults free to relax.
Briony straightened up and turned to Carol. “How old is Mario?”
“He just turned three last month.”
Briony nodded thoughtfully. “So he’s a year younger than Nina. Three is still so little. Don’t give up on him–he understands much more than you think. He’s just hypersensitive and needs adults to guide him with patience and encouragement, day after day.”
“You’re absolutely right. My boss loves Mario dearly. He’s been so dedicated to helping him with his autism–he personally interviewed every nanny before finally hiring me and another caregiver.”
Briony hesitated. “What about Mario’s mother?”
“Well-”
Before Carol could finish, a knock sounded at the door.
“I’ll get it.” James excused himself and walked out.
Crossing the little courtyard, James made his way to the front gate and pushed it open.
In the dusky light of the alley, the granite paving gleamed faintly, moss growing thick and green at the corners.
Garry was standing on the steps outside the door.
His black shirt sleeves were rolled up, collar casually unbuttoned–he looked effortlessly laid–back.
James frowned at the sight of him. “Who are you looking for?”
“My nanny sent me the address,” Garry replied, arching an eyebrow. “Tell me, is the little girl playing with my son yours?”
James stared at him for a moment, then muttered under his breath about the absurdity of the world.
213
17.15
Chapter 294
When James brought Garry inside, Briony had already returned to the kitchen.
Carney was surprised to see Garry.
“Professor Winslow, it’s been a while.” Garry stepped forward and offered his hand. “Seems fate keeps bringing us together, Professor.”
Carney grinned and shook his hand warmly. “I never would have guessed Mario was Mr. Ferguson’s son.”
Garry took a seat in the armchair while Carney prepared some tea.
The two had first met through their shared passion for antiquities, and since they saw eye to eye on so many things, conversation always flowed easily between them.
James, uninterested in Garry’s company, headed for the kitchen.
Inside, Briony was slicing vegetables.
When she saw James come in, she said, “Can you set the table? Dinner’ll be ready as soon as this last dish is done.”
But James didn’t move.
Briony looked over her shoulder, puzzled. “What’s wrong?”
“Mario’s father is here.”
“So soon?” Briony frowned at the odd look on his face. “He’s not taking Mario home now, is he?” “No.” James sighed, sounding both annoyed and resigned. “Mario’s dad is Garry.”
Briony froze.
Garry’s son?
She stared at James, her grip on the knife tightening, her hand trembling ever so slightly. “So… Mario is Rosita’s child?”
3/3
