Regretting The Wife He Threw Away

"The deeper Briony read, the tighter her brow furrowed.

Across the table, Xenia Cooper never took her eyes off Briony, studying every flicker of emotion, every subtle shift in her expression. She watched in silence for a full five minutes.

At last, Briony set the agreement down and lifted her gaze.

Their eyes met.

Xenia looked thoroughly satisfied with Briony's shock.

"Have you finished reading?" she asked, her tone edged with amusement.

Briony's voice was taut. "So-it was your bone marrow that saved my life."

Xenia arched an eyebrow. "That's right. Technically speaking, I'm your savior."

Briony's grip on the contract tightened.

"But Stewart repaid your debt for you, in his own way," Xenia taunted, a sly smile curling her lips. "Tell me, Briony are you moved?"

Briony couldn't answer. She could never have imagined that the second chance at life she'd been given had come at such a cost-a cost Stewart had paid in this way.

The contract spelled it out, in black and white-not just a ten-year marriage between Stewart and Xenia, but also an obligation: over three years, Stewart was to remove every person in the company who stood against Xenia. In return, Xenia would swallow up all the shares of Neonova Syndicate in those three years.

was on

the duration of their decade-long marriage, Stewart had to remain completely faithful. No betrayals, no infidelities, and

forbidden

She'd sensed he was hiding something-now she understood just how different the

in on all sides. The restrictions

breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions

Stewart know you're here talking

worries you'd feel guilty, wants to play the selfless hero. So no, he doesn't know I'm meeting you today. But don't worry-I'll tell him all about it when I get

tell me, then?" Briony asked

let out a short, derisive laugh. "Because I can't stand it. You two are divorced, sure, and you gave him two kids-but

pressed her lips together, meeting Xenia's stare without

these ten years, Stewart.is my lawful husband. Please keep your distance, and don't try to maintain any emotional ties-otherwise,

contract aside and looked Xenia squarely

about, Ms. Cooper. I have no interest in another woman's husband Stewart and have been divorced

know Stewart sold himself to save you, you don't feel grateful? Not even a

her eyes cold. "Don't you think I'm the passive one

caught off guard by Briony's

Ms.

voice calm. "He can answer for his own actions. You came here today hoping to see

tapping her nails impatiently on the table. "But I have

you wanted," Briony shot back, her