NovelGoldChapter 354 A chill of mockery swept through Briony's heart, though her face remained composed and impassive.
So this was what it felt like to be utterly disappointed in someone-so much so that even anger seemed like too much effort.
"Stewart, drop the act. I know everything you're doing is for Irwin." Briony called him out without hesitation.
"I'll make this clear: even if you ripped out your heart and handed it to me, I still wouldn't give it a second glance." With that, Briony brushed past him and headed straight for the living room.
Stewart's hand tightened ever so slightly around the jewelry box he held. He lowered his gaze, staring at the wedding ring inside, a shadow falling over his expression.
Dinner was ready. The group gathered around the dining table, taking their seats.
Little Nina and little Mawere looked after by Crystal and Carol, sparing Briony and Gwendolyn White from any extra worry.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAt the table, the four men each nursed their own thoughts.
James sent Marlene down to the wine cellar for two bottles of Château Lafite.
"I'm a lightweight, I admit defeat. The three of you can drink," James declared with easy generosity. "There's plenty more where that cfrom-help yourselves!" Ferdinand offered a faint smile. "My tolerance isn't great either. I'll pass." "I'm trying to be healthy these days," Garry added with a smirk. "I think I'll sit this one out too." With three of the four men abstaining, Stewart naturally joined the non-drinkers. Despite the table overflowing with gourmet dishes, only the two oblivious children had any appetite. The rest hardly touched their food, the atmosphere heavy and subdued.
After dinner, Little Nina and little Mawanted to play upstairs, so Crystal and Carol took them both up, leaving the adults behind.
Garry turned to Briony. "Little Mario's probably going to refuse to go hwithagain tonight." Briony didn't bother hiding her annoyance for Garry, but her heart softened for little Mario. "Then let him stay here with Carol. You can go." Garry arched a brow, clearly catching the exasperation in Briony's eyes.
He chuckled. "Alright, then I'll head out first." Not long after Garry left, Ferdinand took a phone call and announced he had to leave as well.
Briony saw him out personally.
Outside the front door, Gifford pulled up to pick Ferdinand up.
Ferdinand paused and glanced at Briony, his tone gentle. "I'm off. Go back inside." "Drive safe," Briony replied, watching him get into the car and waving goodbye as he left.
He smiled. "I will." The car disappeared into the night.
Briony turned away, only to find Stewart had coutside at spoint.
He stood in the yard under the porch light, its glow outlining his tall, lean frand casting a cold shadow over his hard-set features, which were edged with anger.
Briony had no interest in dealing with him and headed straight back for the house.
But Stewart wasn't about to let her go that easily.
Just as Briony tried to pass him and step up onto the porch, he suddenly reached out, grabbing her wrist.
She scowled, twisting to free herself. "Stewart! What's wrong with you? Let go of me!" "I told you I don't want you getting too close to Ferdinand." "And I told you, who I see is none of your business!" Briony kept struggling, but Stewart's grip was unyi ding.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNeither would back down, tension crackling between them as she tried to pull away.
Pain shot up her wrist, and Briony's patience snapped. She raised hand and slapped Stewart here across the face.
Smack! Stewart's eyes closed from the force, but he took the slap Still, his grip on without flinche didn't loosen for a second et Briony's chest heaved, her eyes bright with furious tears. "You're out of your mind, Stewart!"
Stewart opened his eyes, and in the darkness, his gaze wa gaze was looked on Briony, turbulent and unreadable.
Briony pulled at her hand again, seeing he still wouldn't let gochten voice trembled with anger. "Let go of En me!" "Mommy." A small, timid voice cut through the tension.
Both Briony and Stewart froze.
They turned in unison- At the front hallway stood Little Nina, holding little Mario's hand.
The two children stared at them, wide-eyed and worried.
"Don't hurt my mommy..." Little Nina let go of little Maramover, and pummeled Stewart with her tiny fists. "Bad guy! Don't hurt my mommy! I don't want you to be my daddy anymore- you're bad!"
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