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.

a candle from one of the funeral staff, preparing to pay their respects

forward, planting herself squarely in front of

both stopped, caught off

to mourn my mother," Briony spat, her glare filled with utter contempt, as if she were looking

say something, but Cedric

dropped his voice. "Are you insane? It's bad enough you showed up, but why did

for this. She really means it," Stewart muttered.

finding his voice.

the sarcasm in Cedric's

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

with Stewart distracted, Rosita stood awkwardly by herself, her eyes red and brimming with tears,

Kensington," she pleaded, "I know it's hard to accept, but Stewart

She lifted Julia's portrait and held it right in front of Rosita. "Rosita, do

flickered to Julia's image, her brow creasing. She quickly looked

trembling with innocence. "Ms. Kensington, please calm down.

a

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