Chapter 9
Stewart stood outside the door, his sharply defined features cold and distant. "I'll be away on business for a few days. Rosita can't handle him alone, so I'll have to trouble you to look after him for a bit."
Briony wasn't feeling well, and she had no patience for him.
"Fine. When you come back to pick him up, remember to bring the divorce papers."
With that, she scooped Irwin into her arms and walked straight back to her office.
Stewart lingered at the doorway for a moment, watching her go.
Then he quietly closed the studio door and left.
In the break room, Briony set Irwin down and let out a heavy sigh.
"Take your jacket off and get ready for bed."
Irwin, for once, was perfectly obedient. He shrugged off his jacket and handed it to her. "Mom, could you hang this up for me? Thank you."
He always had such sweet manners.
Briony smiled at him, took the jacket, and hung it on the coat rack.
They settled side by side on the bed.
Irwin wrapped his arms around Briony's, his voice muffled. "Mom, are you mad at me for going to see that woman?"
Briony blinked in surprise, then sighed softly. She hugged him close, her voice gentle. "She's the mother who gave birth to you. I know it's a lot to take in, but without her, there wouldn't be you. So don't call her 'that woman,' okay?"
Irwin's little knot of anxiety eased at her words.
she was angry with him for meeting
it turned out he'd
No matter who gave birth to me, you'll always
heart melt. She stroked his
whenever you need me, I'll
said it!" Irwin yawned. "No lying, okay? If you lie, your nose
help but laugh, her irritation
down and pressed a kiss to his forehead.
breathing was her
so Irwin didn't need to go
another restoration job-high pay, but a tight
at the studio with Briony. Whenever she was busy, Hannah and the other staff took
tagging along, Irwin was well-known and
in the afternoon, Briony finally finished her restoration work. She stepped out of the lab and headed for her office, texting
[Are you working
Why,
put my name down for an appointment? I'll be there
[?? What's going
days late,
Girl, have you not
she'd bought and
her lips together with a sigh, typing:
that. Let me guess- you pulled another all-nighter? Briony, I swear, if you ever drop dead in the restoration room, I
okay. I
on the
half-finished lunch sat on the
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