"Since you''re aware of all this, Ms. Riley, I''d appreciate it if you''d watch your


    words around my son in the future. No matter what happens, I''ll always be Mario''s mother. Even if I lose custody, loving and caring for him is both my right and my responsibility as his mom. You really don''t need to worry about that—or ask me for permission."


    Lorna arched a brow at that.


    Briony turned away, walked around the front of the car, and slid into the driver''s


    seat.


    Carol said goodbye to Lorna, then climbed in as well.


    The car started up and pulled away from Southcreek Manor.


    Lorna turned and walked back inside.


    Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Stewart''s gaze lingered on the car as it disappeared from view.


    It was the height of summer, but the man was still wearing a ck leather glove on his left hand.


    "Still not done staring?" Lorna moved to his side and shot him a nce, taking in his sharp, gaunt profile. "She just snapped at me, you know. Mother hen in full force-pretty fierce."


    "Don''t use the kid to get a rise out of her," Stewart replied, his voice cool. "She''s been through hell for those children, especially for Mario. Losing him and then getting him back-no one values him more than she does."


    "If you know how much he means to her, why did you take him in the first ce?" Lorna said, unable to resist stirring the pot. "Honestly, after today, I can tell-she absolutely despises you."


    Stewart pressed his lips into a thin line, saying nothing.


    "Stewart, women always know how other women feel," Lorna continued, her brow arched as she eyed him. "Your ex seems calm and gentle, but trust me when a woman like that decides to cut someone out, not even a herd of wild horses could pull her back. Think carefully, okay? If you go through with this n, there''s no turning back."


    Stewart gave her a brief, indifferent nce. "I know what I''m doing."


    Lorna rolled her eyes. "You''re hopeless."


    When Briony got home, she called Dr. Ferdinand right away.


    He arrived soon after.


    After giving Mario a gentle massage, Ferdinand prescribed some medicine to help lower his fever.


    Once the medicine was ready, Briony coaxed Mario to drink it.


    It tasted awful, but Mario was a good kid-he drank it all withoutint.


    Not long after, Mario started to sweat, and the fever finally broke.


    With his fever gone, Mario perked up considerably. Ever the disciplined child, he


    pulled out his homework and sat at his little desk to get started.


    Ferdinand had already heard about Mario''s situation from James.


    After more than a month apart, Ferdinand could tell Mario had changed a lot.


    He took a sip of tea and said, "Mario''s a bright kid. Maybe being with Stewart is for the best-Stewart can give him every opportunity, and life."


    I''m


    sure Mario will do wellve


    Briony watched her son, who was diligently working, and felt a pang of mixed emotions.


    "All I want is for him to be healthy and happy. That''s enough for me."


    "Boys need a bit of pressure and guidance, Ferdinand replied, setting his teacup down and looking at her. Now''s the custody situati


    going?"


    Briony sighed. "I still haven''t decided whether to file awsuit."


    Ferdinand


    then offesed his dark brows,


    her a gentle smile.


    "That means you''re actually satisfied how Mario''s life is going right


    now, doesn''t it?"


    Briony was taken aback.


    "I personally think boys do better with their fathers," Ferdinand added quietly.


    At that, Briony looked over at Mario, her brow furrowing.


    A weekter, Lorna arrived to pick Mario up.


    Before leaving, she handed Briony an invitation.


    "Stewart and I are having our engagement party next Wednesday. Ms. Kensington, you muste."