Briony''s eyes widened in shock at the words.


    Stewart arched an eyebrow, casting a sidelong nce at her. His gaze was cool and narrow, dark eyes half-lidded, but he said nothing.


    Meanwhile, Rosita gave Julia a gentle, polite smile. "Hi, I don''t think we''ve met before. How do you know Stewart?"


    “I.....” Julia faltered for a moment, searching for the right words, then simply replied, "Mr. Wentworth helped me through some difficult times. I owe him a lot."


    Rosita nodded in understanding, turning back to Stewart. "Irwin just called-he''s getting grumpy and wants us toe home. He misses you."


    Stewart gave a subtle nod. "He can''t always get his way. Tell him we''ll be back after we finish lunch."


    "You''re right," Rosita agreed softly, picking up her phone and stepping out toward the private dining room.


    "Irwin..." she murmured lovingly into the phone, though the door remained open and her gentle voice drifted in. "Daddy and I are having lunch with a very important friend... You''re my good boy, Irwin, and I''ll bring you a present when I get home..."


    Julia''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth already have a child?"


    Stewart didn''t answer, but Cedric rke quickly jumped in, sensing Julia''s difort. "Their little boy''s over five now-smart as a whip and absolutely adorable. Definitely takes after his parents!"


    Ste shot Stewart a look as if she''d just stepped in something unpleasant.


    Julia, meanwhile, offered a warm smile, "Of course. Any child of Mr. Wentworth''s is bound to be exceptional."


    Briony was looking paler by the second, like all the color had drained from her face.


    Ste finally couldn''t take it anymore. She linked arms with the still-clueless Julia and said, “Julia, let''s take Bryn to the hospital and get that burn looked at!"


    "Bryn''s hand!" Julia immediately turned to Briony, rmed.


    In just those few minutes, blisters had already formed across the back of Briony''s hand.


    Julia''s heart twisted with guilt. "Oh my gosh, what was I thinking? Bryn, let''s get you to the hospital right now!"


    Briony lowered her gaze and gave a small nod.


    Ste and Julia hurried Briony out of the restaurant.


    It was only after the trio had left that Stewart finally looked away.


    Cedric rke eyed him thoughtfully, frowning slightly. "You know Ms. Hudson''s daughter, don''t you?"


    Stewart shot him a sidelong re, his voice ice-cold. "You''re awfully nosy." Cedric blinked in surprise. "Excuse me?"


    It was nearly two in the afternoon by the time they returned home from the hospital.


    On the way back, Briony called up room service and had lunch delivered to the house.


    They ate a quick meal, and then, using her injury as an excuse, Briony retreated to her bedroom to rest.


    Julia was unusually quiet, and Ste, not wanting to leave her alone, stayed behind to keep herpany.


    Meanwhile, Brionyy on her bed, drifting in and out of a restless sleep.


    Suddenly, her phone buzzed.


    She nced at the screen and froze. Stewart.


    Her first instinct was to let it ring, but then she remembered he might be calling


    about the divorce papers. She forced herself to answer.


    "Have you not been home these past few days?"


    Stewart''s voice was as cold and steady as ever.


    Briony told the truth. "I moved out."