Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

At the end of the press conference, officials arrived with official documents for an investigation.

Ferdinand stood up calmly and managed a faint, resigned smile. "I'll come with you," he said.

At the same time, Fred from the Wentworth family was also taken in for questioning.

Ferdinand had long since transferred his shares in the Wentworth Group to Fred's name. These days, he was the CEO in name only, with no real power. Plus, he had ample evidence proving he hadn't been involved in the Northern Suburbs land deals. At the station, he cooperated fully, and before long, he cleared his name.

Gifford was waiting to pick him up.

As Ferdinand stepped out of the police station, he looked up at the sunset, the fading light casting a shadow across his somber eyes. "Where's Bryn now?"

"Ms. Kensington is still on business in Elderview," Gifford replied.

Ferdinand let out a tired sigh. "Take me back to the old town first."

"Yes, sir."

Fred faced multiple charges of financial crimes-serious ones, at that. The verdict was clear: he would spend the rest of his life behind bars.

The Wentworth Group took a massive hit. Stocks plummeted, and bankruptcy seemed inevitable.

Meanwhile, the Lockwood Group was exposed for tax evasion and years of illegal operations through their shipping routes. On top of that, Barrie himself was found to have been abusing imported stimulants—an illegal, amphetamine-like drug. Investigators discovered hidden cameras and a trove of compromising videos in his private study at his estate.

The footage was shocking, and Rosita appeared in several of the clips.

All these leads had come from Lorna.

Barrie was now in custody, awaiting trial.

With that, Lorna's mission was, for the most part, complete.

Unfortunately, while the obvious threats had been dealt with, the powers backing Barrie still lurked in the shadows.

And as for Stewart-his time was running out.

...

On the eighth day, Briony and James wrapped up their work in Elderview and returned to Northborough.

Their flight landed smoothly at Northborough Airport.

As Briony and James exited the terminal, they spotted Lorna.

She was dressed in black utility pants and a military-green tank top, sunglasses perched on her nose. Her once long, wavy hair was how cropped to shoulder length and dyed a cool chestnut brown.

She looked so different that neither Briony nor James recognized her at first glance.

It wasn't until Lorna pulled off her sunglasses and waved that they realized who she was.

“Lorna?" James frowned, staring at the completely transformed woman in front of him, struggling to process the change. "What happened to her?"

Briony, on the other hand, remained much more composed.

Lorna strode over, but before she could speak, James stepped protectively in front of Briony. "What do you want now?"

"No need to get so worked up, Mr. Delaney." Lorna smiled up at the tall man blocking her path.

James towered at nearly 6'3", so even with her 5'7" frame, Lorna had to tilt her chin up to meet his gaze.

The sunlight highlighted the sculpted features of James's face, making him look even more striking than usual.

No wonder she'd been so physically drawn to him at first sight. Up close, he was even more appealing.

Tall. Handsome. Just her type.

But this wasn't the time for Lorna to indulge her appreciation—she was here on serious business with Briony.

"Sorry, Mr. Delaney,” she said, resting her hand on his shoulder and giving it a friendly pat. "We can sort out our sleeping arrangements another time. Right now, I need to talk business with Ms. Kensington."

James's eyes widened-had he heard that right?

But they were standing so close it was impossible to have misheard.

He glared at Lorna.

This woman was utterly shameless!

Lorna shot him a playful wink. "Come on, be a good sport. Move aside-or I mightnoveldrama

just have to kiss you."

James hesitated, then silently stepped out of the way, a scowl on his face.

Lorna turned to Briony. "Ms. Kensington, can we talk?"

Briony had long suspected Lorna's true identity. Now that Lorna had gone out of her way to meet her at the airport, it was almost certainly about Stewart.

Briony's voice was calm. "Let's find somewhere private."