Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

Briony answered the phone when Ferdinand called.

They arranged to meet at a café downstairs from her studio.

Ever since Briony learned about Ferdinand's connection to Stewart, she'd grown noticeably more distant with him.

And Ferdinand, of course, had picked up on it.

They chose a table by the window.

Outside, traffic streamed past in a constant blur; inside, soft music drifted through the air.

A server brought their drinks.

Briony had ordered a black coffee-no milk, no sugar-the textbook choice for a much-needed pick-me-up.

Ferdinand, ever the health-conscious doctor, opted for a glass of lemon water.

He couldn't hide his mild surprise when he saw her with the coffee.

his throat, his voice gentle. "Coffee isn't exactly good for you,

and reserved. "Mr. Ellsworth, if you have something to say,

her,

now that he could feel Briony's detachment so clearly, a dull

eyes searched hers, his tone soft. "Stewart's probably heard by now

cool,

The Wentworths' business isn't

thought you deserved to know first." Ferdinand managed a bitter smile. "After all, Mario is a Wentworth by blood-the family's future heir. My return will affect him,

is about Mario, then I'm afraid I'd actually prefer for Stewart to lose the Wentworth power." Briony's tone was

sigh. "It's not just me going back. My father

That made Briony pause.

on Mario, but my father.... I can't promise anything about him." Ferdinand went on, "Truth is, I never wanted to fight for the inheritance. Bryn, it's because of you. Because of Mario. That's the only reason I'm willing to step into

at him. "What exactly are

to the

them, years