Little Mario nestled quietly in Briony's arms.

He understood, really.

Carol had told him long ago-his father was Stewart, and his mother was Briony.

Though little Mario was small and hardly spoke, he understood more of the adults' conversations than anyone realized.

After the paternity results came back, Stewart had reached out to Carol in private, asking her to help prepare little Mario for the truth.

Carol wanted what was best for the boy. Long before tonight, she'd been guiding and comforting him, gently helping him accept the changes ahead.

Stewart glanced at Carol and gave her a nod of gratitude. "Thank you."

Carol sniffled, watching Briony finally reunited with her son. Relief washed over her, the weight she'd carried for so long finally lifted.

"Mr. Wentworth, you don't need to thank me. I only did it out of love for little Mario. This wasn't for you-it was for him, from the bottom of my heart."

Garry, listening from across the room, let out a cold laugh. "Well done, Stewart. Seems there's nobody you can't win over-not even my own people."

Stewart's dark eyes cut to Garry, cool and unflinching. "Garry, people's hearts can't be bought. That's the hardest truth of all."

He'd persuaded Carol not by force or money, but because she was a kind soul who truly cared for little Mario.

a scowl

who was sobbing into her son's hair, and for a moment compassion

back at Garry, his gaze was ice.

stared at Stewart for a long beat, then curled his lips into a cold smile.

secretary glanced at him in

on the couch, narrowing his eyes. "Do I need to

"Understood," she replied crisply.

walked over to Briony and said gently, "Ms. Kensington, you're free to

low and soothing. "Bryn, let's take

tears from her

to her son, refusing to let anyone else carry him—not

betrayed Garry. Stewart knew he owed

let little Mario go;

dismissed her. Carol exhaled in relief and hurried to join

passed Stewart, little Mario called out softly,

his son's hair with

mom, alright? I'll come for

few days."

Briony's brow furrowed.

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

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