Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Their eyes met, both surprised to see each other.

Vernon stared at Briony, stunned.

It was a long moment before he finally stood up, looked at her, and asked, "Are you the owner of this gallery?"

Briony approached, eyeing the boy's serious expression-so mature for someone so young. After a pause, she said, "You're still a minor. If you want to sign up for classes, you'll have to bring a parent or guardian."

"My mom doesn't care about what I do." Vernon looked straight at Briony; although he was only eight, he spoke with the composure of an adult. "I can make my own decisions. Sunday afternoons are mine to spend however I want."

For a boy his age, he already had an air of authority about him.

To put it plainly, he seemed far too grown up.

But he was Xenia Cooper's son-Stewart's stepson.

Briony didn't much want to take him on.

"I'm sorry," she replied, her tone strictly professional. "Our gallery doesn't admit minors without parental consent. That's the policy."

"Is it because my mom is Xenia Cooper that you don't want to let me in?"noveldrama

Briony paused. "Yes. So let's not force this. I run a business, but I don't have to take every client."

"But your sign out front says that gifted students could represent the gallery in international competitions," Vernon shot back, lifting his chin. "I think I could do that."

Briony was left speechless. For someone so young, he spoke with remarkable confidence.

She pressed her lips together and took a slow breath, then decided to be blunt. "You're the Cooper family's heir. You have all the opportunities you could want. My gallery is for kids who truly need support. Please, go home."

Vernon froze.

He looked at Briony, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.

Was being the Cooper family's heir really such a curse? Did it mean he couldn't even have the chance to compete on a level playing field, like any other kid?

He hated being the Cooper heir.

He didn't like it one bit.

Vernon lowered his head, the dejection on his face so obvious that even the parents waiting nearby felt a pang of sympathy.

One of them stepped forward to

plead

Briony. "Ms. Kensingtoet

he really seems eager to learn. Why

not just

give the boy a chance?"

Another chimed in, "Yes, Ms. Kensington, he clearly loves painting—and he's got

a mind of his own, too."

The parents spoke one after

another, making it harder for Briony

lite with a sigh, she relented a

you know how to paint with watercolors?"

Vernon nodded. "I do."

"Then pick a painting from the wall and try to replicate it, right now."

"No problem." Vernon's gaze swept over the artwork displayed on the wall.

They were all Briony's own works-pieces not for sale.

He pointed to one. "I'll take that one."

It was a landscape she'd painted last year, seeming simple at first glance, but the real challenge lay in the way

e colors were blended-subtle, demanding real skill.

Briony suspected Vernon had been fooled by the painting's simple lines and

chose it because he thought it would be easy.

She didn't believe he could pull it off.

But very soon, Briony realized she was wrong.

From the way Vernon picked his brushes, mixed his colors, and tested his strokes,

she couldn't help but be impressed.

He had real talent.

She didn't even need to see the finished piece; his gift was obvious.

If he weren't Xenia Cooper's son, she would have accepted him on the spot-

maybe even offered him a scholarship.

But he was Xenia Cooper's child. The one Stewart had publicly acknowledged as his own.

Briony knew she wasn't generous enough to overlook that.

No matter how gifted Vernon was, she wouldn't be swayed.