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 a piercing

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

ago. That can't be right," Stella

camera down, and took Aster from Cedric's arms. "You little rascal-Mommy was trying to admire

locked on his mom. But after a

Hungry, huh? Let's get you back to

then turned and carried their son

worked, and he

Ferdinand and waved him over. "Mr. Ellsworth, come have some

gave Cedric

his

and warm. "Sorry,

like to have a

in private."

spoke, Ferdinand

approach, her expression