The taxi rolled to a stop just outside the gates of Southcreek Manor.

Briony stepped out, her hands weighed down by two large shopping bags as she made her way up the stone path to the house.

On the way over, she'd stopped by her studio to pick up the New Year's gifts she'd ordered online weeks ago, figuring this was as good a time as any to finally deliver them.

She pressed the doorbell.

The door swung open almost immediately.

Stewart stood there, lips pressed into a thin line. "The code hasn't changed," he said, voice cool and even.

Briony just nodded, gaze dropping as she stepped inside.

"Is Irwin still locked away in his room?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah," Stewart replied, glancing at the bags in her hands. "You brought him gifts?"

"New Year's presents," she said, her tone flat. Without another word, she started up the stairs.

Stewart lingered in the foyer for a moment, watching her retreat, then followed after.

Upstairs, outside the children's room.

"Irwin, would you open the door? I brought you

came Irwin's furious

weren't busy with work at all! Why did you lie to

Briony's brow knit together.

never lashed out at her like

away on business had hit

silent sigh and raised her hand to

holding

when she saw

key all along,

amused. "If you didn't come, unlocking the door wouldn't change anything. What Irwin needs

difficult. But she didn't have the energy to argue. She

as the door swung open, Irwin yanked his blanket over his head and curled up tighter on the

my mom anymore! You're a liar! I hate you-” Briony froze

don't want you as my mom anymore. The words

Rosita, Briony had known, deep down, that one day

she knew he was just lashing out in anger, the

you one more chance to speak properly," came Stewart's cold, stern voice from behind

turning

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