Heartstrings on Fire (Agnes and Jared)
Chapter 836

Brayden's face grew red with a mix of anger and frustration as he locked eyes with Kerri, looking as if he could devour her whole.

Finally, he exploded, "I can't communicate with an idiot like you!"

Kerri retorted calmly, "Do you have any other conditions? If so, let's hear them all now."

After a tense pause, Brayden spoke up, "Since the court granted me custody, naturally, I can't let Sprague grow up by your side. Besides, in the Simonds family, he'll have access to a better environment and education."

But Kerri suddenly lost her temper, "Brayden, you're playing games with me again."

"I'm not playing games. You want to see your son, right? Fine, come to my house to work as a nanny and to take care of Sprague's daily needs. That way, you can see him every day. But let me remind you, Kerri, you'll be living with both my wife and me. You're well aware my wife has never taken a liking to you, and the problems she'll cause you will be far from minimal. As her husband, I must maintain peace at home, which means I won't take your side. Any hardships you come across, you'll have to weather on your own. If you can last three years, I'll give you the custody of our son."

Kerri's eyes seemed to light up at the mention of 'custody.'

Agnes, overhearing the conversation, was livid, "Brayden, don't be so damn unreasonable!"

She was genuinely angry. Brayden was clearly setting conditions designed to torment Kerri, and for three long years at that.

Using Kerri's maternal love for Sprague to trap and degrade her was, in Agnes' eyes, the lowest of the low.

"I accept your conditions," came Kerri's clear voice.

Agnes couldn't believe Kerri had consented and was on the verge of raising an objection, when Jared interjected, gently tugging at her arm. Agnes shot Jared a puzzled look, but he shook his head, signaling her to hold her tongue.

Eventually, Agnes complied with Jared's silent request.

Brayden hadn't expected Kerri to agree so readily.

He had set the terms hoping she would back out on her own, but she had accepted.

Brayden sneered, "Fine, since you've agreed, report to the housekeeper tomorrow as a nanny. Remember, at the Simonds estate, you're no longer the lady of the house. You're just a nanny at someone's beck and call. If you can't stick it out, don't show your face around me again, and don't you dare talk to me about custody."

"Brayden, I'll endure it all. No matter what happens, I will endure. But you also need to keep your word. Three years from now, you'll give me our son's custody and not go back on it."

"If you live up to your end, I certainly won't go back on mine." Brayden agreed.

Agnes was taken aback as the two struck a deal.

Still, Kerri wasn't reassured. She drafted an agreement and had Agnes and Jared witness it.

The agreement was then safely kept with Agnes.

After reaching their agreement, the two didn't argue anymore. Brayden continued to drink heavily, while Kerri remained silent.

After dinner, she went to her room to spend time with Sprague.

Agnes finished tidying up the kitchen and then saw Brayden and Jared deep in conversation on the balcony. The two men spoke in low tones, their words indiscernible.

Brayden smoked one cigarette after another, seemingly restless.

Agnes didn't approach them but instead went to her room.

By that time, Nocturne and Sprague were both sound asleep.