Briony blinked, her gaze steady. "Do you know why I rang the doorbell at

Southcreek Manor today?"

Stewart offered no reply, his silence stretching between them.

She continued, “Because ever since the moment I signed the divorce papers and moved out, Southcreek Manor stopped being my home. When you visit someone else's house, you ring the bell. That's just common courtesy."

Stewart's brow furrowed. "If Irwin hears you say that, he'll be upset."

Briony let out a soft laugh, the swirling snow doing a fine job of hiding the redness in her eyes.

"You really do live up to your reputation, Stewart-the brilliant attorney everyone admires and fears. You certainly know how to twist the knife."

He remained stone-faced, refusing to argue. To Briony, that look meant only one thing: he couldn't even be bothered to explain.

In the past, she would have felt crushed by that-hurt, even. But now? Not anymore.

to be said, if

that what you think, Stewart? That

much Irwin depends on you." Stewart hesitated, then added, "In his heart,

you know how important I am to him, why did you say those things to him?

icy. "Don't you realize how twisted that

momentarily taken aback. He let out a heavy sigh. "Irwin and Rosita are his real mother and son. Rosita's depression-well, reconnecting with Irwin has always

"Me stepping aside was my way of making space for the three of

unreadable in the swirling

felt to Briony like the most

were at least family, that we trusted and cared for each other. But

still stung, even now. Briony paused, swallowed hard, and drew a

But even in a business partnership, I deserved to know the facts. But you-Stewart, you kept me at arm's length the whole time. Or maybe you just thought I was too

never thought of you as

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