He called Briony-three times, and each time it went straight to voicemail.


    With a frosty expression, Stewart dialed Carl. "Find out where Briony is."


    Irwin had just finished his homework and came downstairs.


    Spotting Stewart sitting on the living room sofa, he hurried over.


    "Dad."


    Stewart looked up at him. "All done with your homework?"


    Irwin nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Dad, is Miss Kensingtoning home with


    my little sister tonight?"


    Before Stewart could answer, his phone rang. It was Carl.


    He picked up.


    Carl said, "Mrs. Kensington took the young miss to Skybreeze Retreat."


    Stewart''s brows drew together.


    Carl added, "Mrs. Winslow is there too. Looks like Mrs. Kensington and the little one are nning to stay at Skybreeze tonight."


    "I see."


    Ending the call, Stewart rose to his feet. "If you''re done, get some rest."


    Irwin gazed up at him, eyes wide. "Are you going out again, Dad?"


    "Yeah, just meeting a friend." Without another word, Stewart headed for the door.


    Jeannie came downstairs just as the sound of an engine echoed from outside.


    She frowned and hurried to the doorway, only to catch a glimpse of the Maybach''s taillights disappearing down the drive.


    Stewart was gone. Again.


    Jeannie let her gaze drop and sighed helplessly.


    Irwin wandered over, giving her a curious look. "Ms. Radcliffe, why are you wearing makeup thiste?"


    Jeannie paused, then touched her cheek, eyes darting away. "Oh, I was just trying out some new products I bought."


    Irwin nodded, taking in her appearance. "It looks really nice! With makeup, you look just like a movie star, Ms. Radcliffe!"


    "Oh, Irwin, you''re just saying that to make your teacher happy!" Jeannieughed, covering her face in embarrassment. "I just put on a little. I could neverpare to a real movie star."


    "I mean it!" Irwin insisted. "In my heart, after my Mom Bryn, you''re definitely the prettiest!"


    Jeannie''s smile faltered for a split second.


    So Briony''s still number one, huh?


    She felt a little pang, but hid it well.


    After all, she knew Briony was


    special to Irwin-someone even I mother Rosita couldver


    rece.


    She shouldn''t let herself get caught up in that.


    Still, thinking of Rosita made Jeannie curious.


    "Irwin, do you ever miss your mom?"


    At the mention of Rosita, Irwin''s smile faded. "No, I don''t miss her."


    Jeannie gently ruffled his hair. "Is it because she never calls you, and that makes you upset?"


    Irwin pressed his lips together and stayed silent.


    That was part of it.


    Four years ago, Rosita had left without a word. Irwin had tried calling her, but she never picked up.


    Later, he''d asked Stewart about her but all


    nothin


    father said was, "She has to do with you anymore. Briony is your only mom now."


    After that, Irwin stopped trying to reach out to Rosita.


    Briony didn''te downstairs until she''d put little Nina to bed.


    Gwendolyn White and James were chatting and watching TV in the living room.


    Marlene


    sliced fruit.


    smiling at Briony. " Kensington,e have some f


    Fought over a te of t belongs to


    Briony smiled back and sat down next to Gwendolyn.


    fruit."


    The group chatted casually as they nibbled on fruit, relishing the rare, easy-going evening.


    But, as always, peace was fleeting.


    A car pulled up outside.


    James paused. "Who could be dropping by thiste?"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth than Stewart''s tall figure strode in from


    the porch.


    James fell silent.