Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

James didn't coddle the boy for even a second. Without hesitation, he hoisted him over his shoulder and delivered a sharp smack to his backside. "No wonder your mother left you, you little rascal! Such a troublemaker!"

Irwin's wailing was immediate. "Mom! Mom, help me! Waaa-this awful man is hitting me-!"

No matter how much Irwin kicked and screamed, it didn't change a thing-James carried him straight down the stairs.

Parked by the curb was a sleek Maybach.

The passenger window was down.

Irwin, still sniffling, spotted Stewart in the driver's seat and shrieked, "Dad! Dad, help me—!"

Stewart opened the door and stepped out, walking over with his usual calm.

Without a word, James dumped Irwin right into Stewart's arms.

The moment Irwin landed in his father's embrace, he clung to Stewart's neck, his sobs fading into pitiful little hiccups. He slumped against Stewart's shoulder, his small body shaking with every breath-he looked every bit the picture of misery.

If James hadn't just witnessed Irwin's wild tantrum upstairs-punching and kicking

with all his might-he might have actually been fooled by this act.

child would turn out to be

thoroughly unimpressed. Fixing Stewart with a cool stare, he said bluntly, "Mr. Wentworth, heir to the most prestigious family in Northborough, yet this is

magnified behind his glasses, didn't

their first face-to-face encounter, though both men

James's jibe, Stewart replied, his voice low and even,

sticking one hand in his pocket as he sized Stewart up. Then he flashed a crooked smile. "If you've got a message,

studied James for a moment before saying, "Tell her the results are in

that, Stewart turned, still holding Irwin,

pulled away, disappearing down

the distance, a thin, cold smile

...

was just stepping out of the

"All done?" he asked.

to the water cooler. She poured herself a cup of warm water and drank most of it

glanced at James. "Do you want to check

his flight. "I've seen your skill these past few days. Since the restoration's complete, I'll take the artifact