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.

would you open the door? I brought you lots of

came Irwin's

with work at all! Why

Briony's brow knit together.

at her

being away on business had hit him

sigh and raised her hand to knock

holding out

face darkened when she

all along, why

you didn't come, unlocking the door wouldn't

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

door swung open, Irwin yanked his blanket over his head and curled

away! I don't want you as my mom anymore! You're

as my mom anymore. The words

down, that one day he'd say something like this. She just hadn't expected

knew he was just lashing

chance to speak

blinked, turning

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