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

don't want your stupid presents!" came

weren't busy with work at all! Why did

Briony's brow knit together.

lashed out at her

on

her hand to knock again, but footsteps creaked

appeared, holding

darkened when she

key all along, why didn't you

didn't come, unlocking the door wouldn't

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

door swung open, Irwin yanked his blanket over his

want you as my mom anymore! You're a liar! I hate

my mom anymore. The words hit harder than she'd

she learned Irwin's birth mother was Rosita, Briony had known, deep down, that one

just lashing out in anger,

give you one more chance to speak properly," came Stewart's

blinked, turning to

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