Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Little Nina's paintbrush slipped from her fingers and clattered to the floor. She crouched down to pick it up-

Suddenly, a pair of polished black leather shoes appeared right in front of her.

She paused, curiosity flickering across her face as she tilted her head back to

look up.

Stewart knelt down, his intense gaze fixed on the little girl whose features so closely resembled Briony's. Emotions churned in his dark eyes.

Little Nina's big brown eyes grew even wider.

Wow, this uncle is really handsome!

And not at all in the same way as Uncle Ferdinand, either.

But... there was something a little strange about him.

Clutching her paintbrush, Little Nina edged away, eyeing Stewart with open suspicion.

Swallowing hard, Stewart parted his lips, struggling for a moment before finally speaking. "What's your name?"

"My mom says I'm not supposed to talk to strangers!" she replied, her voice bright and clear—and deliberately loud. “Even if the stranger is really good-looking, it's still not allowed!"

Her words immediately caught the teacher's attention.

A young woman strolled over, pausing when she caught sight of Stewart. For a split second, surprise registered on her face.

He was handsome, with a quiet, commanding presence that was hard to ignore.

But a flutter of attraction or not, she didn't forget her responsibility.

"Sir, is there someone you're looking for?" she asked politely.

Rising to his feet, Stewart gave her a curt nod. "Sorry-I didn't mean to interrupt your class."

"It's alright. The kids are just about finished with their art anyway. Are you here for one of them?"

darted

hands on her hips and glared at him, her entire posture radiating caution. For someone so young, she had a keen sense

but smile faintly at her

the teacher, his expression cooled.

was curious. Sorry

he turned and

a wolf in sheep's clothing. She didn't let her guard down until she saw him climb into a sleek black Mercedes parked

of

a car like that probably isn't a

called, beckoning her

girl came running. "Yes,

gently. "Do you

weird expression. Even

a smart girl,

car, Stewart watched Little Nina and her teacher through the

sweetest little face. Whoever was raising her was

teachers gathered up the children and started leading them back

an eye on them,"

the car and followed the group at a

block from the preschool, less than two hundred

just about

waited in clusters at the

ways down the street,

the parents, James's towering frame-nearly six foot three-was impossible

Little Nina came bounding over, her backpack

"Godfather!" she called.

with a gentle hand. "What's my little princess been

went to the park to draw!" She could barely contain her excitement. "I made a picture. Mommy sells her paintings, and since I'm her daughter, mine

course!" James grinned. "I'll buy every one you

you'll

raised an

Nina said, her eyes twinkling. "Whoever pays the most

James: ...