Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Stewart called Carl. "Wipe every piece of news about Julia off the internet. And while you're at it, find out which accounts started those rumors about her."

"Yes, sir."

About half an hour later, Carl called back.

"Mr. Wentworth, we've taken care of all the stories about Julia. I also traced the rumor accounts—the same person is behind all of them. Garry."

"I thought so," Stewart replied coolly. "Keep a close eye on things online for the next few days. If anything happens, I want to know immediately."

"Understood."

After the call ended, Stewart stood by the floor-to-ceiling window of his office. Beside him rested Briony's unfinished portrait in ink and watercolor-a gift she'd started but never completed.

The night outside was quiet. Stewart gazed down at the blurred lines of the painting. Even though the features weren't finished, he recognized himself right away.

He smiled, his deep voice blending with the darkness. "Briony, I have a surprise for you, too. I think you're going to like it."

Briony hadn't slept well last night, and when she woke up that morning, her head was still foggy. Several missed calls flashed across her phone screen-all from James.

She hesitated, then called him back.

to call Stella and ask her to check

fallen asleep by accident last night." Briony tried to sound casual,

glad you're okay." James paused, then added, "By the way, all

above a whisper. "Stewart had them taken

moment as it clicked. Then he swore under his breath. "Stewart is unbelievable. He even used Ms.

serious and heavy, "I agreed to Stewart's three conditions. In three days, I'm going with him and Irwin to

James fell silent.

sorry," Briony continued quietly. "I let you down. I'm not as strong

you talking

me

yourself. You're scaring me a little. You're not... getting depressed, are

blinked, then laughed weakly. "No, nothing like that.

and Stella have been worrying about

"If

Joyner, she'd scold you for sure, you

pressed her lips together in a reluctant