Chapter 741

Back then, although Stewart had been aloof and buried in his work most of the time, whenever he was in Northborough, he would always rush back to have dinner with her and Irwin Wentworth...

The thought of Irwin sent a pang of panic through Briony.

That child was a tragic figure, used as a pawn by Rosita Lockwood from the moment he was born...

"What are you thinking about?"

A shadow fell over her, and Briony looked up, her gaze colliding unexpectedly with a pair of dark, intense eyes.

The tall man was leaning over slightly. Their faces were so close she could feel the faint, intermittent whisper of his breath mingling with hers.

Briony's eyelashes fluttered, and she instinctively took a step back until her back was pressed against the wardrobe. There was nowhere left to retreat.

A heart was pounding furiously, but she couldn't tell if it was his or hers.

"Bryn, I'm so happy."

Briony pressed her lips together, forcing a calm reply.

"What about you?" Stewart lowered his head until the tip of his nose was almost touching hers. "Are you happy?"

Briony quickly raised a hand, pressing two fingers lightly against his chest. "We can talk, but you don't have to be this close!"

Stewart glanced down, watching the gentle tremble of her eyelashes and the faint blush coloring her cheeks.

During those five years, they had shared countless nights of passionate love. Now, in this moment, with this atmosphere, Stewart found it impossible not to be moved.

"Bryn, you still have feelings for me, don't you?"

Briony met his gaze. For a moment, they could see nothing but each other's reflections in their eyes.

Sometime during their standoff, the storm outside had subsided. Water droplets slid silently down the windowpane. In the quiet room, it was impossible to tell whose breathing was more ragged.

Finally, it was the man who broke first.

Stewart's Adam's apple bobbed, his jaw tightening. "Don't look at me like that."

His voice was low and husky, his deep eyes filled with a raw desire that any adult would understand.

Briony felt a fire lick at her ears. Her lashes fluttered rapidly as she turned her head, avoiding his searing gaze.

"Stewart, please back away. Let's sit down and talk about this calmly."

At that, Stewart raised an eyebrow. "I think talking like this is fine. You..."

"Mr. Wentworth, the porridge is ready. I..."

Marlene's startled voice cut in from the doorway.

Briony gasped and shoved Stewart away, turning to cover her flushed cheeks with

the back of her hand.

Stewart gracefully stepped back.

Marlene stood frozen in the

doorway, holding a tray with a bowl of porridge, staring at the two of them. The atmosphere... it seemed she had picked a bad time

A knowing grin spread across her face. "Oh, my apologies! I saw the door was open so I just came in I'II just. I'll put the porridge down and be on my way!"

As she spoke, Marlene set the bowl on the table and beat a hasty retreat. Two seconds later, she popped back in, grabbing the doorknob. "I'get the door for you!"

With that, the door clicked shut.

The air was thick with silence.

Stewart glanced at Briony and chuckled softly. "Marlene is quite thoughtful."

Briony said nothing.

She decided she couldn't stay alone with Stewart any longer tonight.

“You should eat the porridge and get some rest. I'm going back to my room.”

Briony turned and headed for the door.

"Wait." Stewart took a long stride, blocking her path.

Briony stopped and looked up at him. “Stewart, I'm tired. Can we talk tomorrow?"

"You told me to eat, but look at my hand..." Stewart held his injured hand out for her to see. "I can't hold a spoon."

Briony was speechless.