Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

The private investigator had been in frequent contact with Rosita lately.

Stewart was well aware that Rosita was always stirring up trouble, but at the moment, he simply didn't have the energy to deal with her. He knew exactly why she'd arranged for those photos to land in his hands-she wanted to drive a wedge between him and Briony.

He told himself he shouldn't stoop to responding to such petty tactics. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get those images out of his mind. The thought of Briony and Ferdinand together made something hot and primal burn in his chest.

In the end, he couldn't resist. He asked Carl to look into Briony's recent activities.

What he found shocked him: Briony had spent the entire week with Ferdinand. The filming for the reality show had lasted only three days, but after that, she and Ferdinand had driven out to the countryside together. Now they were back in Northborough-and Briony had even brought Ferdinand home.

Stewart's gaze landed on Ferdinand, his dark eyes cold and sharp.

Ferdinand sat calmly, setting his teacup down before meeting Stewart's stare. "Is there something you'd like to say to me, Mr. Wentworth?"

James gave a low, derisive snort. "He's probably wondering if you've got a cure for insanity, Ferdinand."

Ferdinand paused, raising a dark eyebrow, but kept his focus on Stewart.

Stewart stepped forward, barely sparing James a glance. He never took James's constant provocations seriously. He knew, deep down, that to Briony, James was nothing more than a little brother.

But Ferdinand was different.

Ferdinand was a mystery-on the surface, all warmth and gentleness, but Stewart could sense there was something hidden beneath, a side of the man that even he couldn't uncover.

Stewart said, his voice icy, "my wife and I are not getting a

offered a faint, cool smile. "I think you're mistaken, Mr. Wentworth. Briony and I are just friends. Besides, whether you get a divorce or not isn't really up to

clenched. "Who said you could

didn't waver. "She did,

Ferdinand looked positively serene as if nothing could ruffle him. But it was that very calm,

pressed his lips together, then turned to

James said quietly. "We care about her, just like Mrs. Hudson does. The difference is, we actually respect her. Can you say the

darkened as he stared

face was serious.

who's hurt Briony the

pyou. If you're

her go. I'd actually respect you

"Who do you think you are, meddling in

James means far more

voice came from behind

Stewart froze, turning around.

placed