Stewart didn't deny it.

His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed. "Bryn, I know this is my fault. Give me some time-let's talk, just the two of us."

Maynard's patience snapped. He stepped forward, blocking Briony from Stewart. "Stewart, are you seriously still using the kid to threaten her? Have you got no shame?"

Stewart let out a cold laugh. "I'm the one using the child to pressure her? Or do you maybe have your own agenda here?"

Maynard's eyes narrowed. He stood his ground, refusing to back down an inch.

The two men were about the same height and squared off, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife.

A couple of Maynard's relatives just stood there, staring in disbelief.

Finally, Damian stepped in to break the standoff.

"It seems we really didn't think this through," Damian said gently, turning to Briony. "Ms. Kensington, I apologize for how abrupt we've been. Your future should be decided by you and Maynard—it's not our place to interfere. Here's what we'll do: we'll leave the wedding gifts for now. If you and Maynard are truly meant for each other, then wonderful. If you're not ready to marry... consider them a token from our family to Lori."

it gracefully, and Briony couldn't

agreement, then turned to Maynard. "You should take your

no choice but to comply-staying any longer would only put Briony in a

and his four relatives

and Stewart remained in the

apart, facing

Briony finally spoke, her eyes

chest. "Bryn, you can't marry

enough, Stewart." Briony was clearly at the end of her rope. "When you married Xenia Cooper, did I try to stop you? Did I guilt-trip you

Stewart said quietly, eyes lowered. "I just don't want you to make another sacrifice for the sake of

of your business." Briony's tone was icy. "We said last time we'd keep things civil and respectful. So why are you here now, stirring up trouble? Was threatening me about Lori's parentage in front of Maynard's family your idea of decency? Your idea

hand curled into a fist at his

just never change,

the impossible choices you had tool

turned and strode toward the

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