Chapter 54
“You have nothing to worry about. You’re Dr. Joyner’s friend, and you’re one of the few people Mr. Wentworth pays special attention to. I promise I’ll keep an extra eye on things for you.”
One of the few people Stewart ever goes out of his way for?
Briony couldn’t help but find that ironic.
She didn’t say anything, though–just thanked him again, then left the office.
Cedric Clarke stood in the doorway, watching Briony’s retreating figure with a complicated look on his face.
After several interactions, he was pretty sure of one thing: Briony wasn’t fazed by Stewart at all.
And yet, Stewart’s attitude towards her was…strange.
Something about their relationship just felt off.
Cedric pulled out his phone, scrolled to Stella’s contact, and dialed her number…
On the way back, Briony’s thoughts kept drifting.
She just couldn’t figure Stewart out.
When she returned to her mother’s hospital room, the first thing she noticed was a fruit basket sitting on the table.
“Did someone stop by?” she asked.
“You’re just in time,” Julia said, beckoning her over. “Come here, Bryn.”
Briony sat down by her mother’s bedside.
“That fruit basket was delivered a little while ago by a young man–he said it was on Attorney Wentworth’s orders.”
Briony paused. “Did he say anything else?”
“No,” Julia replied. “Just told me to focus on getting better.”
Briony frowned.
What exactly was Stewart trying to do?
“Bryn, what does Attorney Wentworth mean by this? Isn’t he with Ms. Lockwood now? And you two are already getting divorced… This whole thing makes me nervous.”
“Don’t overthink it,” Briony reassured her. “Stewart probably just wants to be polite, since we’ve known each other for a while. That’s all.”
“Really?” Julia eyed her. “Well, since you’re getting divorced, make it clean. Don’t let things drag out. Ms. Lockwood’s a public figure–I just don’t want another incident like last time. It could really hurt your reputation.”
“I know. Stewart’s in love with Rosita. I have no intention of putting myself between them.”
“I’m glad you see things clearly,” Julia sighed. “Attorney Wentworth is impressive, but he’s not the right one for you. Once the divorce is settled, you’re still young. You’ll meet someone much better.”
Briony nodded. “I understand, Mom.”
After sharing lunch with Julia at the hospital, Briony waited until her mother was napping before leaving.
1/2
Chapter 54
On the cab ride back to her studio, Briony thought for a long while before finally texting Stewart.
[Dr. Clarke told me Mack agreed to help with the donor match. Thank you. Also, my mom knows about the divorce now, so please don’t send anything else to her.]
She let out a silent sigh of relief after hitting send.
But before she could even put her phone away, Stewart was calling her.
Briony hesitated for a second, then picked up.
“Irwin saw you today,” Stewart said.
Briony blinked. “When?”
“When Rosita picked him up from the hospital. Their car happened to be right behind yours.”
Stewart’s voice was low. “He said he saw you and your boyfriend check into a hotel.”
Briony: “…”
“He’s locked himself in his room, sulking. Rosita’s off filming, and I can’t get through to him.” Briony: “.”
“If you have time, can you come by?”
Briony let out a quiet sigh. As much as she wished she could just walk away, she knew she couldn’t–not after lying to Irwin.
“Where are you?”
“Southcreek Manor.”
Briony closed her eyes briefly. “I’ll be there soon.”
She hung up and immediately asked the cab driver to change course for Southcreek Manor.
