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.

would turn out to

bluntly, "Mr. Wentworth, heir to the most prestigious

sharp gaze, magnified behind his glasses, didn't waver

was their first face-to-face encounter, though both men had certainly heard

his voice

sized Stewart up. Then he flashed a crooked smile. "If

remained impassive as he studied James for a moment before saying, "Tell her the results are in for her mother's and brother's bone

turned, still holding Irwin,

Maybach pulled away,

the distance, a thin, cold

...

James returned to the studio, Briony was just stepping out

"All done?" he asked.

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

cup down, she glanced at James. "Do you want

Since the restoration's complete, I'll take the artifact back tonight and hand it in. As for the results, you'll just have to wait the professor will probably contact you