Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Sorry, I didn't think it through. I just assumed that since Stewart stepped in to help at the start, he'd see things through to the end-just the kind of person he

is."

Cedric Clarke paused, then added, "Ms. Kensington, I know you're not the type to interfere in other people's relationships. If anything I've said or done before has offended you, I want to sincerely apologize."

"No need for that, Dr. Clarke," Briony replied with a faint smile. "Stewart and I aren't even friends. I'd appreciate it if you didn't bring him up around me anymore. People might get the wrong idea."

Cedric nodded in agreement. "You're right. I'll keep that in mind from now on."

Just outside the hospital room, the door left slightly ajar, a man peered in through the crack, watching Briony.

Her profile looked almost ghostly pale, a thick bandage wrapped around her forehead-enough to make anyone's heart ache at the sight. But her eyes were calm and distant, and her voice when she spoke was cold, betraying no emotion whatsoever.

Stewart's dark brows knit together as he watched for a moment. Then, suddenly, the corner of his mouth curved into a cold, humorless smile.

After a brief pause, he tore his gaze away and left without another word.

A nurse pushing a cart of supplies passed by, glancing at the trash can beside the corridor-where a perfectly arranged fruit basket sat on top.

"Who on earth would throw away such a beautiful fruit basket?" she wondered aloud.

elegant wrapping, and the fruit inside looked like

Stewart had been working on a particularly difficult case involving sexual assault against a minor. The victim's parents were immigrant workers; the accused, four local rich kids. Cases like this were always a minefield-class divides and social

past few days, Stewart had barely had time

parents had shown up at the firm again, saying they'd been threatened and harassed. Stewart did his best to reassure them, promising he'd do everything possible to win their case, and then asked his

seen them out when Cedric

to the window and pinching the

Cedric said. "I really think you need to step in and help Mack. If you're going to do a good deed, might as well see it through

paused, eyes narrowing. "You're awfully invested in Briony's

"Come on, just do me this favor. The Kensingtons aren't the type to back down easily, but

me to get involved?" Stewart let out a short, cold laugh. "Did

was my

go begging to the Kensingtons than ask me for help. What

at a

play the saint?" Stewart's voice was icy. "If she wants to beg the Kensingtons, let her. I won't stand in her

that, Stewart

eyes and pressed his lips together hard. Since yesterday, there'd been

"Mr. Wentworth?"