Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

When Stewart walked in, Gwendolyn White suddenly found that the strawberries in her mouth had lost all their sweetness.

"What is he doing here again?"

Briony looked just as surprised.

James got to his feet. "Mr. Wentworth, it's awfully late for uninvited guests. Don't you think you're overstaying your welcome?"

Stewart barely spared James a glance before turning to Gwendolyn and giving her a curt nod.

Gwendolyn's impatience was plain as day—she had no intention of entertaining him.

But Stewart seemed entirely unfazed by her attitude. He turned his attention to Briony.

Briony narrowed her eyes, regarding him with a chilly stare.

The tension in the room was almost palpable.

Stewart had an uncanny way of commanding any situation, always calm and detached, never giving anything away no matter how awkward things became.

As the elder in the room, Gwendolyn understood that Stewart wouldn't show up at this hour without a reason.

Her voice was cool as she said, "Mr. Wentworth, is there some urgent business that brings you here so late?"

With equal calm, Stewart replied, "I'm here to take my wife and daughter home."

"Little Nina's already asleep," Gwendolyn said. "I don't get to visit Northborough often, and I was hoping to spend a few days with Bryn. She and Nina will be staying here with me at the Skybreeze Retreat, so there's no need for you to worry."

that, Stewart raised a dark eyebrow and looked straight at

voice was frosty. "You

lips pressed into a

grew even more rigid-neither side willing to

opened his mouth to

and as her son-in-law, I really ought to show some hospitality. It wouldn't be right

on Briony, his tone casual. "Bryn, why don't you bring Mrs. Winslow over for dinner

"Bryn" sounded so jarringly out

on her

"I'm more comfortable here at the Retreat. There's no need

thinly. "Of

case, I'll

Kavel

chef as well. Just a little gesture

at a loss

determined to have this

late. You should

up any longer, then." Stewart's composure never

goodnight and turned

time, he didn't so

my life!" James grumbled, dropping back into his seat. He looked at Briony. "Bryn, I'm t. He sorry you have to put up with

her lips together, her

odd behavior tonight left her strangely

was he scheming