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.

the contract-her business acumen was on full display.

marriage, Stewart had to remain completely faithful. No

Stewart was forbidden from requesting a

sensed he was hiding something-now she understood just how different

in on all sides.

a steadying breath, trying to calm

Stewart know you're here talking to

never found out," Xenia replied, looking at Briony with open disdain. "He 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

then?" Briony asked

divorced, sure, and you gave him two kids-but Stewart bending over backwards for an ex-wife?

together, meeting Xenia's stare without

here. I don't want to see you live too comfortably. Remember: for these ten years, Stewart.is my lawful husband.

contract aside and looked Xenia squarely in the

about, Ms. Cooper. I have no interest in another woman's husband Stewart and have been divorced for years. Aside from sharing our children, we have nothing left

Stewart sold himself to save you, you

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

paused, caught off guard by Briony's

softly. "So what you're saying, Ms. Kensington, is that Stewart

Briony replied evenly, voice calm. "He can answer for his own actions. You came here today hoping to see me squirm with guilt, and I do feel it, but

said with a cold smile, tapping her nails impatiently on the table. "But I have to admit,

got what you wanted," Briony