Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Ferdinand gently patted the little girl's head, his voice warm. "You're welcome."

Then he turned to Briony. "Could we talk for a moment?"

Before Briony could answer, James slid over with a grin.

"Come on, Mr. Ellsworth, that's not fair. We're all friends here--what could you possibly have to say to Bryn that we can't hear?"

Ferdinand's gaze settled on James. "Sorry. It's a private matter."

James glanced at Briony for confirmation.

She pressed her lips together, letting out a quiet sigh. Looking at James, she said, "Why don't you take Little Nina upstairs? Crystal should be home soon, ask her to help Nina with a bath."

The mood had clearly shifted.

James looked annoyed but knew better than to push at a time like this. He scooped up Little Nina and headed inside.

Only Cedric Clarke, Briony, and Ferdinand remained in the garden.

Briony's eyes landed on Cedric.

Cedric's hand froze mid-movement as he was pouring tea.

It was obvious he was the odd one out now.

Cedric stood. "I've boiled water for you. I'll leave you to your conversation-I should get back to my wife and kids upstairs."

Briony nodded with a quiet thank you, then walked to the garden pavilion and sat down at the tea table, looking across at Ferdinand. "Please, have a seat, Mr. Ellsworth."

Ferdinand came over and took the seat opposite her.

The kettle on the table was whistling softly, steam curling from the spout.noveldrama

Briony didn't pour the tea. She looked Ferdinand straight in the eye, her expression calm.

He knew she no longer trusted him—and he knew it was his own deliberate secrecy that had led to that.

But things had reached a point where he had no other choice.

"The Wentworth Group's shareholder meeting is the day after tomorrow,"

Ferdinand said, his tone grave. "Bryn, your vote is critical."

Briony's eyes remained cool. "Ferdinand, we've known each other for four years. I

don't want to sound harsh, but I won't be voting with you."

"Why not?" Ferdinand's brow

furrowed. "Bryn, this upheaval in the Wentworth family is inevitable. My father isn't going to let go of the Wentworth Group. If he doesn' succeed this time, he'll just try again—and he might even target the two kids to force Stewart to back down."

Briony's face hardened, her voice colder. "What exactly are you saying? No matter how much Fred Wentworth resents Fiona Clarke or disapproves of Stewart, those children are still his grandchildren. Are you suggesting he'd actually hurt them for the sake of shares?"

Ferdinand's expression was grim. "My father's become dangerously extreme. I'll do my best to talk him down, but I can't guarantee he'll listen."

Briony's hands tightened in her lap, a chill running up her spine. "Your father is a selfish man, Ferdinand. And you want me to support someone like that? I can't."

"There's a lot ean't explain right now. But the entire Wentworth family is siding with him. Stewart made a lot of enemies among the company's founding shareholders just to keep his position-now they're coming back for him. Even if Stewart survives this, his days at the top won't be easy."

"Whether Stewart can hold on to the Wentworth Group is his own affair," Briony said slowly, meeting Ferdinand's eyes. "The ten percent stake hold was given to Little Nina in her father's name. I'm only keeping it for her until she's of age. If you push me to cast this vote, then I'm sorry, but I'll let Little Nina decide for herself."

Ferdinand stared at her, momentarily speechless.