James and Crystal exchanged glances—and couldn't help bursting into laughter.
Briony ruffled Little Nina's hair with a sigh. "Little Nina, remember your manners."
Little Nina nodded, then turned confidently to Irwin. "Hi there, big brother! My name's Little Nina!"
Irwin looked at her rosy, cherubic face.
Her features were the spitting image of Briony's, especially those eyes.
A pang of insecurity twisted inside Irwin.
His mother had a child of her own now; she would never treat him the same way again. She didn't even let him call her "Mom" anymore.
Irwin's nose stung with the threat of tears, but he refused to lose face in front of his new little sister. He forced a smile. "H-hi, I'm Irwin. Nice to meet you."
Just then, James's phone rang.
His ride had arrived.
"Little Nina, I've got to head home. See you tomorrow."
"Bye, Godfather!" Little Nina blew James a dramatic kiss.
James mussed her hair fondly, said his goodbyes to Briony, and wheeled his suitcase out the door.
Briony carried Little Nina inside.
Crystal followed close behind, dragging her own suitcase.
Behind them, Irwin watched Briony's retreating figure, his face clouded with disappointment.
Stewart clapped a hand on Irwin's shoulder. "Don't worry. She's just come back. Give her a little time."
Irwin lowered his head, mumbling, "Okay."
—
In the living room downstairs, a line of women in crisp maid uniforms greeted them in unison: "Welcome home, ma'am!"
The spectacle startled Crystal. "For a second, I thought I'd stepped into one of those billionaire romance novels!"
Briony glanced around.
This place was much bigger than Southcreek Manor, and the living room even had a play area set up for children.
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