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?"

force this. I run a business, but

says that gifted students could represent the gallery in

was left speechless. For someone so young, he spoke with remarkable

heir.

Vernon froze.

Briony, a flash of

family's heir really such a curse? Did it mean he couldn't even have the chance to compete on a

being the Cooper

like it

lowered his head, the dejection on his face so obvious that even the parents waiting nearby felt a

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

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

after another, making it harder for Briony lite with a

Vernon nodded. "I do."

the wall and try to replicate

Vernon's gaze swept over the artwork displayed on

all Briony's own works-pieces