Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 471

"Can I see your room, Mario?" Nina asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Mario nodded. "Sure."

Carol smiled at the two of them. "Come on, I'll take you upstairs."

Hand in hand, Mario and Nina followed Carol up the staircase, giggling softly as they went.

Briony picked up the clothes she'd brought and was about to head after them when Lorna's voice stopped her.

"Ms. Kensington, could we have a word?"

Briony paused, turning to look at Lorna.

"Ms. Kensington, Mario is a bright, thoughtful child. I hope you won't let your own possessiveness hold him back from growing up the way he should."

A cool, measured smile flickered on Briony's lips. "If we're talking about possessiveness, Ms. Riley, you seem far more invested than I am."

Lorna's brow furrowed.

"I've already made everything clear to Stewart," Briony continued, her tone even. "If you think I'm out of line, take it up with him. From now on, Ms. Riley, you don't need to pretend we're getting along for appearances. I have no interest in your man, and you don't need to try and take my son."

With that, Briony turned away and started up the stairs, ignoring Lorna's tight- lipped silence.

Upstairs, laughter and playful shrieks drifted from the children's bedroom next to the master suite.

bounced on Mario's little bed. "Do you sleep here all by yourself at night?" Mario sat cross-legged, his

you bedtime

"Dad does."

and peered at him. "But your dad's so serious all the time. Are his stories any good? Isn't

his expression earnest. "Dad has

imagine Stewart reading a story, but she just couldn't picture

fell, and her lips pouted. "I never had a

sensing her sadness. “I didn't have a mom when

it and sighed. "I guess you've got it a little worse. Grown-ups always say kids

milk!"

had my mom's milk! So really, you're the

Mario was left speechless.

her daughter's words, stifling a laugh mixed with exasperation. Where did Nina

of his eye and stepped aside

take Mario with

Their eyes met.

glanced at the shopping bags in

the toys inside, she added, "I'll leave the toys here. If you throw them out, I'll just

lips together, almost sighing. "He hardly has time to play

point in continuing this conversation. Their perspectives had

"I just want Mario to know, in my own way, that wherever he is, his mom will always love

aback, his