Before Briony or James could say a word, Jeannie jumped in first.

"Mr. Wentworth, I'm sorry, this was my fault. Irwin doesn't get to see Ottilie very often, and I just wanted the two of them to spend some time together, to build a real sibling bond. I didn't expect Mrs. Wentworth to keep Irwin away from her."

James rolled his eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't stick.

Stewart fixed his gaze on Briony. "Is that true?"

"It is," Briony shot back with a cold laugh. "Why? Are you about to scold me on behalf of your precious son?"

"Briony!" Stewart's voice darkened. "No matter what's going on between us adults, Irwin and Ottilie are just children-they're brother and sister. Why make things so difficult?"

"Brother and sister?" Briony's patience snapped. "To Ottilie, Irwin is the son of the man who killed her brother-her enemy! And you have the nerve to call them siblings? Stewart, you make me sick."

Stewart stared at her, eyes filled with disappointment. "Is there anything in your heart besides hatred?"

"Divorce."

Stewart fell silent.

"We can't even agree on the simplest things anymore, Stewart. Divorce is the only option left for us."

"I told you, if you insist on a divorce," Stewart said, his eyes stormy, "then I'll fight for custody of Ottilie."

died bringing into this world. I've raised her single-handedly since the day she was born. If you want to fight me for her, don't be so

anger flashed in Stewart's eyes. "Fine. If you insist on a divorce, then I won't hold back—I'll fight for

clear. "I'm divorcing you, no matter what.

at her,

back down in

Irwin tugged at Stewart's

looked down at

don't fight with Miss

head, then shot one last look at Briony. Holding Irwin's hand, he

after, covering her

hallway. Only then did

recording app. She paused it and saved the audio from their

actions, grinned. "So that's why you were so direct today. You

recording as soon as Jeannie came

so desperate to prop

she'd

ет

sort of thing I need to show just how much I resent the whole stepmother situation-and prove that things between me and Stewart are way past saving." Content befongs

We'll use all of

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