"I love it," little Mario chirped, his voice brimming with excitement. "I have Mommy


    and Daddy, and Ms. Riley, little Nina, Mr. Dney, Ms. Carol, my teachers at preschool, and cookies... I love all of them!"


    As Briony listened, a sense of ease slowly settled in her heart.


    That afternoon, Attorney Hughes called to ask about proceeding with thewsuit.


    Briony told him she''d decided to drop it for now.


    She realized things were good as they were-she and Stewart led separate lives, but they co-parented the kids together.


    This way, the children could still have both parents'' love and presence.


    Life, after all, has to keep moving forward.


    A weekter, the students weed summer break.


    The animation studio Briony had invested in released its first original feature film in theaters.


    The box office numbers were fantastic.


    Within just a week, the film became a huge hit!


    Traditional folk elements woven into the story generated a lot of buzz and discussion.


    Briony had contributed to the film''s creation; she personally illustrated those folk motifs.


    For those credits, she used the name "Leni."


    It had be her pseudonym in the industry.


    The moment "Leni" appeared in the credits, it immediately set off a fresh wave of conversation online.


    By the third week of the movie''s release, ticket sales were still exceeding expectations.


    This sess gave thepany a solid foundation and a boost of confidence.


    Novalith Industries, as the studio was called, suddenly became a household name. Thepany''s CEO, Joe, called Briony to share the good news and suggested throwing a celebration party.


    Everyone at thepany was young and full of drive; after such an achievement, their enthusiasm was through the roof.


    As thepany''s behind-the-scenes owner, Briony didn''t have the heart to dampen their spirits.


    She agreed to Joe''s proposal for a celebration.


    Joe insisted Briony attend in person.


    Normally, she would have refused-she was never one for the spotlight.


    But then she thought of her two kids, and suddenly changed her mind.


    James was surprised when he heard she was going to the party as Novalith Industries'' big boss.


    "What''s gotten into you all of a sudden?"


    Briony replied, "I''ll keep the Leni pseudonym under wraps for now, but it''s time


    to slowly build up my reputation as a strong, independent woman."


    James frowned, puzzled. "Why go out of your way for that kind of image?"


    She smiled faintly. "Kids grow up. Since Stewart and I are co-parenting, I can''t let there be too big a gap between us financially."


    James''s eyes lit up with


    understanding. "Ah, I get it! You don''t want Stewart to steal the show as the perfect dad. You''re worried that when the kids are older, they think their mom can''t measure up?"


    Briony shook her head. "It''s not exactly that. I just don''t want anyone telling my children someday, ''See, your mom isn''t as good as your dad. That''s why he left her.'' Or anything along those lines."


    She hesitated, then added, "Maybe part of me is just tired of always being the passive one with Stewart. Maybe I''m afraid of repeating the same mistakes from the past..."


    After a moment, she pressed her lips together and said, "Little Nina''s a girl. I want to be a good role model for her."


    James sighed. "Mothers really are fierce when ites to their kids. I always wondered why someone asid-back as you would suddenly want to step into the spotlight. Turns out, it''s all for your children—and it''s not easy for an introvert like you!"


    Briony couldn''t help but smile wryly.


    Novalith Industries'' celebration was held at the grand ballroom of Cloudcrest City''s most luxurious hotel.


    Allpany staff were invited, along with friends of both Briony and Joe.


    That evening, Briony arrived with James at her side.


    She wore a ck evening gown-off-the-shoulder, mermaid silhouette, simple


    and elegant. Her long hair was swept up, revealing her graceful neck and delicate features, cool yet strikingly beautiful.


    She took James''s arm and walked into the ballroom, instantly capturing everyone''s attention.


    James, tall and striking in his tailored suit, stood out as well-nearly six-foot-three, with sharp features and an air of quiet confidence.