Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 68

James didn't coddle the boy for even a second. Without hesitation, he hoisted him over his shoulder and delivered a sharp smack to his backside. "No wonder your mother left you, you little rascal! Such a troublemaker!"

Irwin's wailing was immediate. "Mom! Mom, help me! Waaa-this awful man is hitting me-!"

No matter how much Irwin kicked and screamed, it didn't change a thing-James carried him straight down the stairs.

Parked by the curb was a sleek Maybach.

The passenger window was down.

Irwin, still sniffling, spotted Stewart in the driver's seat and shrieked, "Dad! Dad, help me—!"

Stewart opened the door and stepped out, walking over with his usual calm.

Without a word, James dumped Irwin right into Stewart's arms.

The moment Irwin landed in his father's embrace, he clung to Stewart's neck, his sobs fading into pitiful little hiccups. He slumped against Stewart's shoulder, his small body shaking with every breath-he looked every bit the picture of misery.

If James hadn't just witnessed Irwin's wild tantrum upstairs-punching and kicking

might-he might have actually been fooled

child would turn out to

heir to the most prestigious family in Northborough, yet this is how you raise your son? I

magnified behind his

face-to-face encounter, though both men had certainly heard of each other

replied, his voice low and even,

replied, sticking one hand in his pocket as he sized Stewart up. Then he flashed a crooked smile. "If you've got a message, I can

James for a moment before saying, "Tell her the results are in for

that, Stewart turned, still holding Irwin, and

away,

the distance, a thin,

...

the studio, Briony was just stepping

"All done?" he asked.

poured herself a cup of warm water and

down, she glanced at James. "Do you want to

few days. Since the restoration's complete, I'll take the artifact back tonight

phone back into his pocket and looking up, "your soon-to-be