Chapter 84
“Sorry, I didn’t think it through. I just assumed that since Stewart stepped in to help at the start, he’d see things. through to the end–just the kind of person he is.”
Cedric Clarke paused, then added, “Ms. Kensington, I know you’re not the type to interfere in other people’s relationships. If anything I’ve said or done before has offended you, I want to sincerely apologize.”
“No need for that, Dr. Clarke,” Briony replied with a faint smile. “Stewart and I aren’t even friends. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring him up around me anymore. People might get the wrong idea.”
Cedric nodded in agreement. “You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind from now on.”
Just outside the hospital room, the door left slightly ajar, a man peered in through the crack, watching Briony.
Her profile looked almost ghostly pale, a thick bandage wrapped around her forehead–enough to make anyone’s heart ache at the sight. But her eyes were calm and distant, and her voice when she spoke was cold, betraying no emotion whatsoever.
Stewart’s dark brows knit together as he watched for a moment. Then, suddenly, the corner of his mouth curved into a cold, humorless smile.
After a brief pause, he tore his gaze away and left without another word.
A nurse pushing a cart of supplies passed by, glancing at the trash can beside the corridor–where a perfectly arranged fruit basket sat on top.
“Who on earth would throw away such a beautiful fruit basket?” she wondered aloud.
She eyed the basket: elegant wrapping, and the fruit inside looked like the finest you could buy…
Lately, Stewart had been working on a particularly difficult case involving sexual assault against a minor. The victim’s parents were immigrant workers; the accused, four local rich kids. Cases like this were always a minefield–class divides and social pressure made every step a challenge.
For the past few days, Stewart had barely had time for anything else.
That morning, the victim’s parents had shown up at the firm again, saying they’d been threatened and harassed. Stewart did his best to reassure them, promising he’d do everything possible to win their case, and then asked his assistant to personally escort them home.
He’d barely seen them out when Cedric Clarke called.
Stewart answered, walking over to the window and pinching the bridge of his nose. “What is it?”
“I thought about it all night,” Cedric said. “I really think you need to step in and help Mack. If you’re going to do a good deed, might as well see it through to the end, right?”
At that, Stewart paused, eyes narrowing. “You’re awfully invested in Briony’s business.”
“Oh, please. I treat all my patients this way!” Cedric sighed. “Come on, just do me this favor. The Kensingtons aren’t the type to back down easily, but if you get involved, it’ll be fine.”
“You want me to get involved?” Stewart let out a short, cold laugh. “Did Briony put you up to this?”
“No, this was my idea.”
“She’d rather go begging to the Kensingtons than ask me for help. What makes you think she’d accept it if I offered?”
Cedric was at a loss for words.
“If Briony prefers to humiliate herself, why should you play the saint?” Stewart’s voice was icy. “If she wants to beg the Kensingtons, let her. I won’t stand in her way.”
14:23
Chapter 84
With that, Stewart hung up.
He closed his eyes and pressed his lips together hard. Since yesterday, there’d been a fire smoldering in his chest that he couldn’t name and couldn’t shake.
“Mr. Wentworth?”
Carl’s voice broke the silence in the office.
Stewart’s mood darkened even further at the interruption. He turned, eyes cold and sharp, his presence instantly chilling the room.
Carl shrank back under Stewart’s gaze, quickly stepping aside as he gestured toward the door. “Mr. Wentworth, Ms. Hudson here says she’d like a word with you.”
In the doorway stood Julia and Gina, each holding a carefully wrapped gift box.
Stewart looked genuinely surprised to see Julia.
She stepped inside, her voice trembling just a little. “Attorney Wentworth, did I hear you say Bryn went to the Kensingtons for help? Why would she do that?”
Stewart glanced at Carl. “Bring in some coffee, please.”
Then he turned back to Julia, his tone gentler. “Please, have a seat.”
But Julia shook her head. “Attorney Wentworth, I only came to drop off some New Year’s gifts–I won’t stay for coffee. But I overheard your call. You said Bryn went to the Kensingtons. What’s going on?”
“Please, don’t worry. Let me-”
“Stewart, I brought you an Americano-”
Rosita walked in carrying a steaming cup of coffee, beaming, but the smile froze on her face when she spotted Julia. “Ms. Hudson?”
