Chapter 55

The taxi rolled to a stop just outside the gates of Southcreek Manor.

Briony stepped out, her hands weighed down by two large shopping bags as she made her way up the stone path to the house.

On the way over, she'd stopped by her studio to pick up the New Year's gifts she'd ordered online weeks ago, figuring this was as good a time as any to finally deliver them.

She pressed the doorbell.

The door swung open almost immediately.

Stewart stood there, lips pressed into a thin line. "The code hasn't changed," he said, voice cool and even.

Briony just nodded, gaze dropping as she stepped inside.

"Is Irwin still locked away in his room?" she asked quietly.

"Yeah," Stewart replied, glancing at the bags in her hands. "You brought him gifts?"

"New Year's presents," she said, her tone flat. Without another word, she started up the stairs.

Stewart lingered in the foyer for a moment, watching her retreat, then followed after.

Upstairs, outside the children's room.

the door? I brought you lots

your stupid presents!" came Irwin's furious shout from inside.

busy with work at all!

Briony's brow knit together.

out at

little white lie about being away on business had hit

sigh and raised her hand

appeared, holding

darkened when she saw

you had the key all along, why didn't

eyebrow, somewhere between exasperated and amused. "If you didn't come,

deliberately difficult. But she didn't have the energy to argue. She snatched the key from

the door swung open, Irwin yanked his blanket over his head and curled up tighter on the

you as my mom anymore! You're a liar!

you as my mom anymore. The words

learned Irwin's birth mother was Rosita, Briony had known, deep down, that

come so soon.

she knew he was just lashing out in anger,

one more chance to speak properly," came

blinked, turning to see

his mind. If you have something

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