Briony often thought back to five years ago, when she'd walked straight into Stewart's den of wolves. Maybe she'd done it because the circumstances forced her hand, maybe Stewart had orchestrated everything too perfectly, or maybe she'd simply been too young and naive, swept up by her own foolish crush. Probably, it was a mix of all those things.

Even now, after everything, she could look at her marriage to Stewart-however much she'd been hurt or doubted-and still say with a clear conscience that she'd done nothing wrong.

But if, today, she let herself agree to Garry's terms just to get a divorce from Stewart-even knowing full well that Garry's intentions were far from pure-well, then she really would have lost her mind.

With that thought, Briony let out a cold laugh. "Garry, have you ever considered another possibility?"

Garry raised his eyebrows, making an inviting gesture. "Ms. Kensington, by all means, speak your mind."

"Between spending a lifetime in a loveless, empty marriage with Stewart and dealing with you, I'd much rather avoid you altogether."

As soon as she finished speaking, Briony turned on her heel and walked away without a backward glance.

Garry watched her slim figure recede into the distance.

After a long moment, the corners of his lips curled in a chilly smirk. "Stewart, you're going to fall at her hands sooner or later."

After Irwin's condition finally stabilized, Stewart brought him home to Southcreek Manor.

Once he'd soothed Irwin to sleep, Stewart headed downstairs.

Ever since Briony had moved out, the manor felt emptier than ever. Only a housekeeper came by each day to clean-otherwise, there was no trace of life in the place anymore.

Stewart paused in the living room, sat down on the couch, and pressed his fingers to his temples.

Just then, Carl walked in from outside. "Mr. Wentworth, we've got news about Ms. Kensington's attack."

tensed.

him.

in Neal's contact log—a local number. We've checked; it's a burner, no

his voice turning icy. "Keep

Stewart said, rising to his feet. "I need you here to look after

Carl handed over

looking for a new live-in housekeeper. Also, find an experienced childminder with a strong educational background. Salary

nodded. "I'll get

...

Lunar Heights Estate.

had sent over a few photos and

them, scanning through, just as her

a fit and refused to let them finalize the divorce. He cried so hard he had an asthma attack. Stewart had to

grip tightened around her phone. "Got it.

The

the photos and video to a private folder,

spat, trembling with anger,

and caught sight of Rosita's furious expression -almost twisted

"Rosita?"

her face shifting

said, turning to Lauren, voice trembling with hurt, eyes misty. "I really feel like I'm about to lose

"What's gotten into you?

Ms. Kensington.

wedding is right around the

was at city hall today, and

"How do you

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