Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Their eyes met, both surprised to see each other.

Vernon stared at Briony, stunned.

It was a long moment before he finally stood up, looked at her, and asked, "Are you the owner of this gallery?"

Briony approached, eyeing the boy's serious expression-so mature for someone so young. After a pause, she said, "You're still a minor. If you want to sign up for classes, you'll have to bring a parent or guardian."

"My mom doesn't care about what I do." Vernon looked straight at Briony; although he was only eight, he spoke with the composure of an adult. "I can make my own decisions. Sunday afternoons are mine to spend however I want."

For a boy his age, he already had an air of authority about him.

To put it plainly, he seemed far too grown up.

But he was Xenia Cooper's son-Stewart's stepson.

Briony didn't much want to take him on.

"I'm sorry," she replied, her tone strictly professional. "Our gallery doesn't admit minors without parental consent. That's the policy."

"Is it because my mom is Xenia Cooper that you don't want to let me in?"

let's not force this. I run a business, but I don't have to take

gallery in international competitions," Vernon shot back, lifting his chin. "I think I

speechless. For someone so young, he spoke with

blunt. "You're the Cooper family's heir. You have all the opportunities you could

Vernon froze.

flash

a curse? Did it mean he couldn't even have

hated being the

didn't like it one

obvious that

stepped forward to Briony. "Ms. Kensingtoet he really seems eager

chimed in, "Yes, Ms. Kensington, he clearly loves painting—and he's

harder for Briony lite with a sigh,

Vernon nodded. "I do."

a painting from the wall and try to

Vernon's gaze swept over the

own works-pieces not