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?"

I run a business, but I don't have to

in international

was left speechless. For someone so

"You're the Cooper family's heir. You have all the opportunities you could want. My gallery is for kids

Vernon froze.

a flash of disappointment in

Did it mean he couldn't

being the Cooper

like

face so obvious that even the parents

seems eager to learn. Why

loves

with a sigh, she relented a you know how

Vernon nodded. "I do."

painting from the wall

problem." Vernon's gaze swept over the artwork displayed on

all Briony's own works-pieces not