NovelEnglishChapter 536 "Let's talk in my car," Lorna said. "Since this involves spersonal matters, Mr. Delaney will need to excuse us." James shot her a look but said nothing.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtLorna's car was a sleek black Land Rover.
Briony slipped into the passenger seat and quietly closed the door. Lorna switched on the air conditioning, adjusting the temperature as a chill breeze filled the interior.
For a moment, Briony sat in silence, studying her. From Lorna's clothes to the understated luxury of her car, everything about her was completely different from the persona she used to show the world. This, Briony thought, must be closer to the real Lorna.
Lorna caught Briony's gaze and, noticing the scrutiny in her eyes, let out a soft laugh and arched an elegant brow. "Judging by your reaction, you seem surprised... but oddly calm?" Briony's lips curved in a faint smile. "Crystal toldyou knew martial arts." "So I've been exposed all along!" Lorna shrugged, feigning exasperation. "Guess I'm really losing my edge these days. Maybe it's finally tto retire." Briony asked quietly, "So what's your real identity?" "Mercenary," Lorna replied, her tone light and almost playful. "The real deal. Whoever pays the most, that's who I work for." Briony frowned. "Back home, people like you would be called an illegal armed gang." Lorna laughed. "Well, sorry-I'm not from around here." She paused, then circled back to the main topic. "I asked to meet you because there are a few things I need to set straight." "Go ahead." "First, Stewart and I are business partners. He pays, I cooperate, I get the job done. Everything I did to you before was just part of the act. And I swear on my life, I never laid a finger on your son. In fact, he's been living pretty well at Stewart's place." Briony's expression was calm. "I know." Lorna blinked in surprise. "You know? Who told you?" "I just figured it out for myself." Briony held her gaze, speaking plainly. "At the start, you and Stewart nearly droveinsane. But children don't lie. If you and Stewart had treated him badly, little Mariowould never have wanted to go back to Southcreek Manor. I was just so anxious I let your words and actions get to me." Lorna stared at her. "So... all that acting was for nothing?" Briony's smile was faint but genuine. "Not exactly. Stewart got what he wanted, and I survived it. But I won't I I thank him for it. He always thinks he knows best, making choices claims are for my own good vel's he never stops to consider-everyone's life is their own to live. No matter his intentions, his schemes and manipulations forceddown a path I never chose, and the pain I went through-no one can share that burden with me." Lorna pressed her lips together, rubbing at her temple awkwardly. "Honestly, I thought it was a lousy plan from the start. But Stewart was determined, and I was just doing the job I was paid for. His intentions really were good, you know. Maybe try not to hold it against him." Briony's voice was soft but resolute. "I won't thank him. But I won't resent him, either." Lorna blinked, genuinely taken aback. "You really don't blhim?"
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBriony turned to look out the window, da her gaze steady. "Love and hate just matter anymore. So why bother blaming anyone?" "You've really let go," Lorna said,
watching her profile and releasing a ding heavy sigh. "But he hasn't. Briony, Stewart's still trapped in these five years of marriage you shared. He'd rather let himself rot in that past than give himself even a sliver of hope to move on. I can't get through to him.
That's why I cto you." Briony's eyelashes fluttered as she turned to face Lorna. "So, you wantto go talk to him?" Lorna hesitated, then suddenly realized something. "Wait-that's not the reaction I expected! You-"
Briony met her shocked expression, a faint smile touching her lips. "Yes. I've known about his illness for a long time." Lorna stared at her, speechless.
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