Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

After Lauren and Irwin left, Briony hesitated for a moment before returning to her lounge to check things over.

She didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

Shaking her head, she thought she was probably just being overly cautious. Irwin was only a child-what could he possibly get up to?

Still, Briony really didn't want to be disturbed again.

Stepping out of her office, she turned to Hannah and said, "From now on, for any reason at all, don't let in anyone connected to Irwin Stewart."

“Understood.” Hannah sighed quietly. "Briony, I'm sorry... she said she was sent by Mr. Lewis, and I was worried about offending him, so—"

"I get it. But the item she brought was a fake. And that claim about Mr. Lewis? Almost certainly a lie."

Briony caught the guilty look on Hannah's face, and her voice softened. "The client coming this afternoon-Mr. Chadwick-his background is much more significant than Mr. Lewis's. Chin up."

Hannah nodded. "I understand!"

Briony returned to her restoration studio and picked up her work.

At three in the afternoon, the Chadwicks arrived.

Mr. and Mrs. Chadwick were celebrating their golden anniversary this year, and

the love between them was still unmistakable.

Mrs. Chadwick wanted to have an old dress restored.

Chadwick had commissioned

technique, with intricate folk embroidery. It was a true work

time had taken its toll. Despite careful maintenance, the natural fabrics had deteriorated, and about thirty

to wear it again for a

was deeply moved. Love that steadfast was

on the project, but the repair involved advanced textile

Hannah to call in

the dress, she shook her head. "This one's tough. The origins are remarkable—it's a handwoven ceremonial gown, considered

at

in a small village with a long tradition of weaving. My husband, ever the romantic, combined the fabric from my coming-of-age ceremony with my wedding gown. He asked the village elders to weave and embroider it by

smile. "Mr. Chadwick must love you

I

exchanged a look and smiled. "The

husband himself-he led a group up into the mountains to pick the wild plants, then spun and wove the fibers over many months. It

what I know, harvesting those

only a two-month window each year to harvest the fibers. But maybe, if we ask around, we can find

anniversary photos," Mr. Chadwick said. "Ms. Kensington, money isn't

Mr. Chadwick." Briony considered for a moment, then said, "How about this: give me three days. I'll see if I can source the right materials. If I can, I'll contact

course." Mr. Chadwick gave her a meaningful smile. "No wonder Mrs. Winslow recommended you, Ms. Kensington. I look forward

"I should be thanking you both for your

walked the Chadwicks

in her office, Briony picked up the