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."

raised a dark

voice was frosty. "You should

pressed into

standoff grew even more rigid-neither side willing

mouth to interject, but

her son-in-law, I really ought to

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

call her "Bryn" sounded so jarringly

written on her face.

interjected briskly. "I'm more comfortable here at the Retreat. There's no need to trouble yourself,

thinly.

case, I'll have some groceries

Kavel

a chef as well. Just a little

at a loss for

was determined to have this dinner,

her temples, resigned. "Do as you like. It's late. You should

won't keep you up any longer, then." Stewart's composure never faltered

and turned to

so much as

in my life!" James grumbled, dropping back into his seat. He looked at Briony. "Bryn, I'm t. He

lips together, her expression

tonight left

he scheming