Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"Something good?"

Whenever Garry contacted her, it was never without a very specific agenda.

Briony had long since learned not to get her hopes up when Garry mentioned "good news."

Her voice was cool. "Just say what you want, Garry."

"Dr. Joyner is with me."

Briony's breath caught. "Garry, this isn't something to joke about. Don't even try."

"Do I seem like the type to joke about life and death?"

Garry heaved a theatrical sigh. "Seems like you really don't trust me at all, Ms. Kensington."

Briony's heart pounded in her chest, her grip tightening around the phone. "Is Star really with you?"

"I have no reason to lie."

Briony's eyes stung, her voice trembling. "Is she... is she alright?"

"She'll live, for now." Garry paused, then added, "But if she doesn't get brain surgery within a week, she may never wake up again."

"Brain surgery..." Briony pressed a hand to her chest, struggling to breathe. She closed her eyes, forcing herself to stay calm. "Where is she? I want to see her."

"Ms. Kensington, I didn't call to play the hero."

said, "Name your terms, Garry. As long as Star comes

and straightforward." Garry's tone turned sly, amusement curling in his voice. "Same condition as last

from Stewart yet." Briony's tone was glacial. "If

before, I'd have helped you out, but you passed. That was your chance. So, Ms. Kensington, sorry, this time you're on

if you're willing to marry me,

with anger. "You have no right to keep Star.

by chance. She was

police," Briony said, fighting to keep her fury in check. "If you

chuckled softly. "I'm in Westenmar now. Even if the police want to get involved, it's a

I'm starting to think you're the one

me at all. That's a

sighed. "So, that's

hung up without

her ear.

didn't pick

was doing this

James had overheard the entire

alive. As for getting her back, we need to talk to Dr. Clarke and

Clarke, Star had a high fever the night she disappeared-she was obviously taken. For all we know, Garry's the one who had her abducted." James nodded, starting the engine. "Let's head to

sounded on the

see Stewart standing outside, gesturing for

then rolled down the window. "What is

"It's about Stella."

Briony froze.