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
out he'd worried for
love you. No matter who gave birth to me,
felt her heart melt.
I promise you whenever you need me,
yawned. "No lying, okay?
but laugh, her irritation slowly
a kiss to his forehead. "I'll never lie to
steady breathing was her only
so Irwin
on another restoration
next two days, Irwin spent most of his time at the studio with Briony. Whenever she
tagging along, Irwin was well-known and well-loved
finally finished her restoration work. She stepped out of the lab and headed for her office, texting her
[Are you working
[Yep! Why,
for an appointment? I'll be there around
[?? What's going on? Are
ten days late, and my
you not
Briony of the test she'd bought and forgotten at the bottom of her
typing: [I bought one, but got
forget something like that. Let me guess- you pulled another all-nighter? Briony, I swear, if you ever drop dead in the restoration room, I wouldn't be surprised. Go test
[Okay, okay. I
Irwin fast asleep on the
lunch sat
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