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?"

So let's not force this. I run a business,

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

speechless. For someone so young, he spoke with

Cooper family's heir. You have all the

Vernon froze.

looked at Briony, a flash of disappointment in his

he couldn't even have the chance

being

like

lowered his head, the dejection on his face so obvious that

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

Kensington, he clearly loves painting—and he's got a mind of his

for Briony lite with a sigh, she relented a you

Vernon nodded. "I do."

the wall and try to replicate it, right

swept over the artwork

Briony's own works-pieces not