Briony gave him a deep, respectful bow. "Dr. Clarke, thank you so much for coming."

Cedric Clarke scratched the back of his head, looking distinctly uncomfortable. "Actually, I just ran into Stewart and the others in the parking lot."

At his words, Briony's brow furrowed.

"The others?" Stella had a bad feeling. "Who's with Stewart?"

Before Cedric could answer, a commotion sounded at the door.

Stewart walked in with Rosita at his side, and Irwin trailing after them-his forehead still bandaged.

"Oh, you have got to be kidding me." Stella rolled up her sleeves, eyes narrowing. "If I don't lose my temper over this, then—"

Stella's mother, Scarlett Joyner, swooped in just in time, grabbing her arm and hissing, "What do you think you're doing? This is a funeral. Get a hold of yourself."

Stella gritted her teeth, barely keeping her anger in check. "They're obviously here to cause trouble!"

"The dead deserve respect," Scarlett warned. "Let's just see what they're up to. Don't do anything rash."

With no choice, Stella forced herself to swallow her outrage, at least for now.

from one of the funeral staff, preparing

Briony stepped forward, planting herself squarely in

both

no right to mourn my mother," Briony spat, her glare

frowned, about to say something, but Cedric Clarke quickly

his voice. "Are you insane? It's bad enough you

for this. She really means it," Stewart muttered. "Briony's got

before finding his voice. "Unbelievable... Stewart, it's no wonder you're getting

bristled, picking up the sarcasm in Cedric's

sigh internally, realizing Stewart had completely missed the point. He

distracted, Rosita stood awkwardly by herself, her eyes red and

know it's hard to accept, but Stewart and I are truly here

Julia's portrait and held it right in front of Rosita. "Rosita, do you dare look my mother in the eye and swear you didn't hurt her?

image, her brow creasing.

her voice trembling with innocence. "Ms. Kensington, please calm down. If Ms. Hudson were here, she wouldn't want to see you

me a voice message

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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