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

want your stupid presents!" came

work at all! Why did you lie

Briony's brow knit together.

at her

about being away on business had hit him

raised her hand to knock again, but

appeared, holding

when she

key all along, why

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

the energy to argue. She snatched the

as the door swung open, Irwin yanked his blanket over

my mom anymore! You're a liar!

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

Irwin's birth mother was Rosita, Briony had known, deep down, that one day he'd say something like

just lashing out in anger, the sting

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

turning to

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