Chapter 737

"And while Star never wanted to get married, she ended up with you because of her amnesia, and she genuinely wanted to build a good life with you. But your entire marriage has been permeated by Mrs. Joyner's control. Maybe you didn't notice it at first, but now? I don't believe for a second you haven't seen it. You condoned her control over Star. In fact, you've slowly turned into a second Mrs. Joyner yourself. Star desperately wanted you to see what she truly needed, but the love you offered her was all about possession and control. How is that any different from what her mother does?"

All the color drained from Cedric's face. He couldn't utter a single word in his defense, because Briony was right about everything.

...

After leaving Stella's room, Briony went back to the emergency room, where Carl had just arrived. Stewart had changed into clean clothes, his hands wrapped in thick gauze, which looked a little ridiculous.

A nurse was giving him instructions. "Don't get them wet for the next few days, and you need to come in for a dressing change every day for the first three days."

Stewart gave a curt nod.

Briony walked over just then. Seeing her, Carl immediately greeted her with respect. "Ms. Kensington."

Briony nodded at him before turning her attention to Stewart. "Do you need to be admitted?"

Stewart glanced at the IV bag, which was nearly empty. "I'll go home after this is done."

After a brief silence, Briony asked, "Do you have anyone to look after you for the next few days?"

Before Stewart could answer, Carl jumped in. "I can! I'll take care of Mr. Wentworth!" Stewart was speechless.

Briony nodded. "If Carl is taking care of you, then I won't worry."

Again, Stewart was speechless.

"Eileen is waiting for me," Briony said. "I should get back. Be safe on the way home after the drip is finished."

Stewart watched her, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes, but he managed a nod. “Okay. You be safe, too. It's raining, so tell Crystal to drive carefully."

"I will," she replied before turning and walking away. Stewart's gaze

followed her until her silhouette

disappeared from view.

Then he turned, leveling an icy stare at Carl, who felt a sudden, menacing aura. "?"

Stewart's brow furrowed. "Carl, how old are you?"

Carl scratched the back of his head. "Thirty."

"Then why are you still single?"

Carl had no response.

"Is it because you have such low emotional intelligence that no woman will give you the time of day?"

Carl remained silent.

Back at Pearbrook Mansion, Briony took the agreement with her to her room and examined it again and again it was the original document. Both copies were there.

Had Xenia Cooper really just let Stewart go? Something felt wrong. A woman as proud and domineering as Xenia wouldn't give up so easily. And what was that she said about a bet? A bet with

nard?

Unable to shake her unease, Briony decided to call Maynard. He picked up almost immediately.

Briony got straight to the point. "Maynard, what is going on between you and Xenia Cooper?"

There was a pause on the other end before he asked, "Did Xenia find you?"

"Yes," Briony confirmed. "She invited me to a villa on a hillside outside the city and told me a story."

Maynard's grip on his phone tightened.