Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 463

Lorna paused, then offered a gentle smile. "I'm sorry, Ms. Kensington, but Mario has a tutor coming over tonight. He won't be able to visit you."

Briony's expression darkened at her words.

"He's only four years old. Don't you think you're being a bit too strict with him?"

"Mario is the future heir of the Wentworth Group," Lorna replied, her face serious. "Most children in prominent families start their training at this age. There's no need to be anxious, Ms. Kensington. Stewart and I both care deeply for Mario. We'll make sure his lessons and rest are balanced-he won't be overworked."

"Training?" Briony's anger flared. "He's four! He just started preschool, and you already want to put him through training? Isn't that a bit much?"

"This is what's expected of a Wentworth heir," Lorna said, frowning, clearly displeased by Briony's questioning. "I understand you care for him, Ms. Kensington, but boys shouldn't be coddled. Mario is a Wentworth-he's destined to be exceptional. Someday, he'll make you proud. You gave birth to him, and he'll give back to you."

"I don't need him to be exceptional, and I don't need him to pay me back," Briony shot back, her voice trembling. "All I want is for him to be healthy and safe, to grow up happy and free from worry."

"Ms. Kensington, that's a bit naive," Lorna replied coolly. "All parents want their children to be the best, but not every child is born into a family like the Wentworths. I know you're worried, but Stewart came up the same way. If he could do it, so can Mario."

"You're just turning him into a tool, a means to inherit the Wentworth Group! You only care about his achievements, never whether he can handle the pressure!"

Briony glared at Lorna, her voice breaking. "You're right-I was naive to ever believe that you or Stewart would truly care about my son!"

She bent down, arms outstretched, ready to scoop Mario up.

But Mario darted away, hiding behind Lorna.

Briony froze.

she said, disbelief in her voice. "I'm your mom. Come home

Mario clung to Lorna's skirt and shook his head firmly. "No, Mom. I can't go with

voice was steady, his

Briony couldn't believe it.

to her child in just a

as

was

her for their son out of love he just needed

son. He wanted

a "suitable" Wentworth heir meant breaking a child's spirit from the very

just four years

and expectations. Even

was a living, breathing little

He was only four...

they be so

couldn't bear to let

please, come

little Mario shook his head

son-his small face pinched with a cold, determined frown. Helplessness