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."

to defuse it gracefully, and Briony couldn't embarrass the

agreement, then turned to Maynard. "You

but to

and his

only Briony and Stewart remained in

few paces apart, facing

minute, Briony finally spoke, her

Stewart's chest. "Bryn, you can't marry

married Xenia Cooper, did I try to stop you? Did I guilt-trip you

not trying to guilt you," Stewart said quietly, eyes lowered. "I just

"We said last time we'd keep things civil and respectful. So why are

curled into a

just never

patch things up between us. I've tried to understand all the impossible choices you had tool net make. But why do

turned and strode toward the

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