Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Cedric Clarke fell silent, at a loss for words.

Stewart cast a cool glance at Stella, then turned to Cedric. "Let's go."

Cedric pressed his lips together, shooting Stewart a look that said, "Hey, man, I tried." He watched as Stewart strode away.

The Maybach had barely pulled out of the Skybreeze Retreat's driveway when, just seconds later, a Bentley rolled in.

Briony was about to take her daughter upstairs for a bath when she caught sight of Ferdinand Ellsworth through the car window. Her brow furrowed slightly.

Ferdinand stepped out of the car.

Under the evening sky, the man's crisp white shirt and tailored black slacks, combined with his refined demeanor, made him look every bit like he had stepped out of a painting-sharp features, gentle eyes, and an effortless elegance.

Stella's eyes lit up. She immediately raised her camera, snapping away in rapid succession.

"Wow, he's gorgeous!" she gushed, hugging her camera. "Who is that? Absolutely first-rate. Mr. Delaney, is he a friend of yours?"

James cleared his throat, flashing an awkward smile. "That's Ferdinand-he's a renowned doctor in the old town."

"Oh, so you're Ferdinand!" Stella stepped forward, eyes sparkling. "No wonder you're top pick for Little Nina's stepdad-what a waste if you don't end up in Hollywood. I mean, just look at you—"

Cedric Clarke couldn't take it anymore. Face darkening, he marched over to the cradle and pulled his son's tiny hand out of his mouth.

"Waaah-!"

immediately erupted into

did his best to soothe him. "Oh, don't cry, little guy... Honey, the baby's hungry-see how hard he's

ago. That can't be right," Stella said, torn between her

from Cedric's arms. "You little rascal-Mommy was trying to admire a handsome man and you just had to act up,

teary eyes locked on his mom. But after a few

joking. Hungry, huh?

shot Cedric a glare, then turned and carried their

had worked, and he was feeling pretty pleased

looked over at Ferdinand and waved him

Cedric a

his

and warm. "Sorry,

like to have

in private."

spoke, Ferdinand walked toward

approach, her expression