Gwendolyn White let out a long sigh. "After all this, you''re still going back to that city-the one that broke your heart, Bryn. Are you sure about this? Once you set foot there again, you know there''s no turning back."


    Briony''s eyes were unwavering. "I know."


    ...


    Upstairs, Gwendolyn and Crystal were changing the linens in the guest rooms.


    When Briony came downstairs, she found James alone in the living room.


    He stood as soon as he saw her, striding over. "Are you really nning to go back to Northborough?"


    "I am."


    "Are you out of your mind?" James snapped, irritation clear in his voice. "Do you really think Stewart will just let you walk away?"


    Briony met his gaze, her lips pressed together before she sighed. "Even if I don''t go back, he won''t let me go."


    "Just wait six months," James insisted. "Once the separation period''s up, you can file for divorce again. But if you go back now, you''ll have no proof of separation. How will you ever get out?"


    "And what makes you think Stewart will leave me alone for even half a year?"


    James fell silent, jaw tight.


    "I''m tired of being so powerless in all of this."


    Briony''s expression turned cold. "Stewart has always seen himself as the one in control. My resistance won''t change that, and he certainly won''t start reflecting on himself just because I resent him."


    "He''s still protecting Rosita. Even if I use Mr. Chadwick''s influence, that might not be enough to take her down."


    "If Mr. Chadwick isn''t enough, then there''s me. I can talk to my dad, get him involved "


    "James," Briony interrupted, her voice steady and serious. "I can''t keep relying on everyone else. If, after all this, I still need you and Mr. Chadwick to help me escape this marriage, what will Stewart think of me? He''ll just see me as weak- an easy target. He''ll keep using Little Nina to control me. I can''t let her be his bargaining chip."


    James frowned, concern etched on his face.


    "I want a divorce," Briony said firmly, "and I want custody of Little Nina."


    James let out a heavy sigh. "Alright. But... are you bringing me with you?"


    Briony paused, caught off guard by the intive look in his eyes. She couldn''t help butugh. "Did I ever say you couldn''te with us?"


    "Hmph!" James huffed, feigning indignation. "It''s not like I want to cling to you or anything. I just can''t bear to leave Little Nina!"


    "I know." Briony had never doubted his affection for the little girl.


    "Honestly, I''m d you''reing with us it''ll put my mind at ease. I''ve hired a private bodyguard for Little Nina. She just came back with me-Crystal. But to everyone else, she''s just my personal assistant. On the surface, she''s just here to help me look after Nina."


    James nodded, then asked, "So when are we leaving?"


    "No rush," Briony replied, raising an eyebrow. "Let Stewart stew a little longer."


    James grinned, visibly cheered. "Exactly-let''s keep him guessing!"


    Northborough, Lunar Heights Estate.


    Lauren stepped out of the taxi, her body wracked with pain as she staggered toward the front door.


    She pressed the doorbell.


    A housekeeper opened up, scowling as soon as she saw Lauren. "You again? Ms. Lockwood''s busy with her livestream. She doesn''t have time for you!"


    "And who do you think you are?" Lauren snapped, her voice strained with pain as she leaned against the wall to steady herself. "Get out of my way! I''m here to see my daughter. Who are you to stop me?"


    The housekeeper stubbornly blocked her path.


    Lauren spat on the ground, ring. "I have HIV. If you don''t want to catch anything, I suggest you back off."


    "Ahhh!"


    The housekeeper shrieked, clutching her face and running off to the bathroom to


    wash up.


    Themotion was loud enough to reach upstairs.


    In her study, Rosita was in the middle of a livestream.


    Her fans heard the noise and flooded the chat: What was that sound?


    Rosita nced coolly at Daisy, who stood nearby.


    Daisy nodded, quietly slipped out of the room, and closed the door behind her.


    Rosita returned her gaze to the camera, smiling sweetly. "Sorry about that-just the housekeeper watching TV with the volume up again. I''ve already sent my assistant to remind her to keep it down..."