NovelUpdateBriony told Stella everything that had happened at The Wentworth Group, including what she'd seen-Stewart coughing up blood.
Stella fell silent for a long tafter listening.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThen suddenly, as if something clicked, she exclaimed, "No wonder I thought Cedric Clarke's been showing up in the ER way more often. Turns out he wasn't there for work, he was treating Stewart in secret, wasn't he?" Briony pressed her lips together and said nothing.
"So just now, when Cedric said he was going to the hospital, was he going to see Stewart again?" "Most likely." Stella lapsed into silence again.
Coughing up blood-things must be serious.
She might despise Stewart, but with someone that sick, she decided she'd better hold her tongue and not say anything harsh.
Stella fixed her gaze on Briony. "If Stewart really is this sick, what are you going to do?" Briony met Stella's eyes, her expression calm. "I'd feel sorry." "Briony! Say that again—" "I mean, I'd feel sorry for the kids." Stella let out an exasperated sigh. "Can you just finish a sentence without all the suspense?" "Star, I really have moved on. Everything between Stewart and me—it's in the past." "Are you sure?" Stella narrowed her eyes.
"I'm sure." Briony's voice was steady. "We have kids together, so I can't cut him out entirely, but any contact is just for them. That's all." "My only worry is that he'll get the wrong idea and think you're giving him another chance," Stella grumbled. "We've cleared things up. He hasn't tried to chasedown again. Honestly, he's been good to the kids lately. Maybe he knows he's sick and he's trying to make up for lost time." "He'd be better off not trying at all!" Stella huffed. "If he'd just stayed away, the kids wouldn't miss him when he's gone. But now he's gone and built a bond with them, so when he dies, they'll be heartbroken..." Ever since she beca mom, Stella couldn't stand to see kids hurting.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBriony said nothing, her lips pressed tight.
Stella didn't even know what else to say. The whole thing just felt so sudden. This was Stewart, after all. The undefeated star attorney, the one everyone in Northborough's legal and political circles respected-and feared.
Who would've thought he'd end up like this: betrayed by his own father, now gravely ill...
After a moment's hesitation, Stella asked, "Should I ask Cedric about Stewart's condition when he gets back?" "No need." Briony lowered her gaze. "Even if I knew, it wouldn't change anything. If Stewart cares about the kids, he'll do whatever it takes to get better." Stella's voice softened. "But... you're really not worried about him? Not even a little?"
Briony looked up at her, and after a moment, gave a wry smile. "Star are you this s concerned about how I feel because you're afraid I'll go back to him?" ve
"Of course! Stella slapped her knee "I'm terrified Stewart will play then card-hels the kids dad, sympathy afterall. I just don't want to see you guilt-tripped into taking him back..." "That won't happen." "Promise me?" "I won't go back," Briony replied, her eyes gentle but resolute. "And Stewart won't chase afteragain, either." "How can you be so sure? Manipulating people is what he does best."
"Star." Briony reached over and took Stella's hand. "People are complicated. I'm not making excuses for Stewart, but right now, I know really know-he'd never use his illness to winover. Because, as STsee it, my sympathy would be even harder for him to accept than my resentment."
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