Stewart said nothing. He just cast a faint glance at James, then turned to Briony. "You're still going through with the divorce?"

Briony caught the edge of a threat in his tone.

Sure enough, his next words came cold and sharp: "Briony, we have a daughter. You shouldn't be so stubborn."

Briony let out a mocking laugh. "Four years ago, it was all about Irwin. Now, after all this time, you're using our daughter?"

"Irwin's different now. Jeannie Radcliffe's done a good job raising him-he's much more mature."

Briony almost found it funny.

"Stewart, what am I to you, really? Is tormenting me the only thing that makes you feel alive?"

Stewart frowned, about to retort, but just then, the teacher came out with the children.

Briony ignored him, turning away with James to look for Little Nina.

The moment Little Nina spotted them, she bounded over, grinning from ear to ear.

"Mama! Uncle James!"

Briony knelt down, gathering her daughter into her arms and planting a kiss on her soft, chubby cheek. "Did you miss me, sweetheart?"

"I missed you so much!" Little Nina kissed Briony's cheek in return, her eyes shining. "Mama, is Grandma Julia feeling any better?"

During the days Briony was caring for Julia, Gwendolyn White and the others had explained to Little Nina who Julia was.

Though she'd never met Julia, Little Nina understood: Grandma Julia was Mama's birth mother, her family-and that made her Little Nina's family, too.

Julia, and if

loving someone because you love

try to approach, James scooped Little Nina up in his arms, finally relaxing once she was

a look, gave a dismissive snort, and turned to

Briony nodded.

of them—so much like

safe in James's arms, Little Nina's bright eyes darted around, and suddenly she spotted

up out

James both

seen

They exchanged a glance.

asked, "Sweetheart, did he say anything to

"He asked my name."

what did you say?" Briony

him!" Little Nina huffed, proud as could be. "I thought maybe he was a kidnapper-since I'm so cute, he might want to steal me away! So I talked really loud and called the teacher over. He was scared of her, and

Briony was momentarily speechless.

of the teacher? That's my

reveal who he was to Little Nina yet. But knowing Stewart,

the car, Stewart closed his eyes and pinched the bridge

Wentworth, I've just received

"Nothing at

showed promise early on, was taken as the last apprentice by Dr.

just what he wants people to see. The

Carl froze.

single real detail, just

we keep investigating,

me. I'll

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