Briony gave him a deep, respectful bow. “Dr. Clarke, thank you so much for coming.”
Cedric Clarke scratched the back of his head, looking distinctly uncomfortable. “Actually, I just ran into Stewart and the others in the parking lot.”
At his words, Briony’s brow furrowed.
“The others?” Stella had a bad feeling. “Who’s with Stewart?”
Before Cedric could answer, a commotion sounded at the door.
Stewart walked in with Rosita at his side, and Irwin trailing after them—his forehead still bandaged.
“Oh, you have got to be kidding me.” Stella rolled up her sleeves, eyes narrowing. “If I don’t lose my temper over this, then—”
Stella’s mother, Scarlett Joyner, swooped in just in time, grabbing her arm and hissing, “What do you think you’re doing? This is a funeral. Get a hold of yourself.”
Stella gritted her teeth, barely keeping her anger in check. “They’re obviously here to cause trouble!”
“The dead deserve respect,” Scarlett warned. “Let’s just see what they’re up to. Don’t do anything rash.”
With no choice, Stella forced herself to swallow her outrage, at least for now.
Stewart led Rosita and Irwin to the front, accepting a candle from one of the funeral staff, preparing to pay their respects to Julia.
But Briony stepped forward, planting herself squarely in front of Julia’s photograph.
Stewart and Rosita both stopped, caught off guard.
“You have no right to mourn my mother,” Briony spat, her glare filled with utter contempt, as if she were looking at murderers.
Stewart frowned, about to say something, but Cedric Clarke quickly pulled him aside.
Cedric dropped his voice. “Are you insane? It’s bad enough you showed up, but why did you bring her?”
“Rosita canceled her meetings for this. She really means it,” Stewart muttered. “Briony’s got issues with Rosita, and Rosita wants to clear the air.”
Cedric stared at him in disbelief, gaping for a full three seconds before finding his voice. “Unbelievable… Stewart, it’s no wonder you’re getting divorced. Honestly, you deserve it.”
Stewart bristled, picking up the sarcasm in Cedric’s tone. His expression darkened.
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