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.

gently. "Irwin, would you open the door? I

stupid presents!" came Irwin's

busy with work at all! Why did you

Briony's brow knit together.

out at her

on

hand to knock again, but footsteps creaked up behind

appeared, holding out a

when she saw

you had the key all along, why didn't you open the

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

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

yanked his blanket over his head and curled up tighter on the

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

mom anymore. The words hit harder

was Rosita, Briony had known, deep down, that one day he'd say something like this. She just hadn't expected it would

just lashing

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

blinked, turning to

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