Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Chapter 221 Stewart had an important case to handle that day, and Carl had to tag along.

With no one else available to watch Irwin, Stewart had no choice but to drop his son off at the Wentworth family estate.

Irwin wasn't thrilled about going back to the mansion-he'd never liked it much- but he knew his father was busy, so he behaved and stayed put.

Mrs. Wentworth, Fiona Clarke, was a formidable woman: sharp-tongued, commanding, and not one to be trifled with. Yet, when it cto Irwin, her only grandson, she genuinely doted on him.

Still, Irwin never really warmed up to her. Over time, Fiona grew tired of pouring her affection into a child who never quite reciprocated.

Just then, Helga called to invite her for a gof bridge. Fiona instructed the housekeeper to keep an eye on Irwin, grabbed her purse, and headed out.

When she arrived, she was surprised to see Lauren there as well.

Fiona hadn't always been fond of Lauren. In the social circles of old money, Lauren, who had married into the Lockwood family as a divorcée with a daughter in tow, was never truly embraced by the other society wives.

But ever since Fiona discovered that Rosita—Lauren's daughter-was Irwin's biological mother, her attitude toward Lauren had softened considerably.

After all, they were about to becfamily. Appearances had to be kept up.

At the bridge table, Helga grinned. "Well, Mrs. Wentworth and Mrs. Lockwood, it seems you'll be in-laws soon. I'll have to watch my gwhen I play cards with you two in the future!" Lauren's smile was graceful and warm. "Oh, Helga, you're joking. You're such a master at cards-even if Mrs. Wentworth and I teamed up, we wouldn't stand a chance!" Helga's husband had deep connections in local politics, so she was always held in high regard among the society ladies.

Fiona glanced at Lauren, expression unreadable. "I'll have to leave after this round. My grandson's staying withtoday." Lauren looked up. "Would you mind if I stopped by to see Irwin? I've been worried about his hand." "You're his grandmother on his mother's side. Cwhenever you like," Fiona replied flatly.

Lauren beamed. "Thank you!" Fiona simply nodded and returned her attention to her cards.

*** Wentworth Mansion.

Fiona and Lauren entered the house one after the other.

The moment Irwin saw Lauren, he dropped his toys and ran to her, face alight with joy.

"Grandma!" he cried, hugging her tightly. "Are you here to takeout to play?" Lauren ruffled his hair. "Would you like to go out?" "Yes!" Irwin nodded eagerly. "Remember that children's FunRealm Park you tookto before? There's still money left on our card-we have to use it up!" Lauren glanced at Fiona. "But you don't often get to visit your dad's side of the family. Maybe you should spend more twith your grandma while you're here." Fiona had been feeling a little left out; her own grandson was clearly closer to his maternal grandmother. But hearing Lauren say this, her mood lifted.

Truthfully, Fiona had been planning to visit the church that afternoon anyway. She waved a dismissive hand. "If Irwin wants to go, take him. I'll be out most of the day myself." Lauren smiled. "That's perfect. I'll take him out for a bit and bring him back later." "No need to bring him back. I'll be hlate tonight. Just touch base with Stewart and see what he wants to do." "Alright," Lauren agreed with a nod.

*** After leaving the Wentworth estate, Lauren drove toward the city center.

In the backseat, Irwin piped up, "Grandma, are we going to FunRealm Park now?" Lauren glanced at him in the rearview mirror. "Irwin, would you like to see your mom, Bryn?" Irwin's eyes lit up. "I'd love to!" Lauren smiled. "How about I take you to see her?" "Yes, please!" Irwin bounced in his seat. "Are we going right now?" "We are," Lauren said, before pausing. "But before we go, there's something I need to talk to you about first." Irwin tilted his head, curious. "What is it?" "Remember last time, when I told you about the magic stone that could make the new baby disappear?" Irwin's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Did you get the magic stone, Grandma?" "I did. I had to ask a lot of people and spend a lot of money, but I finally got it." Lauren watched his innocent reflection in the mirror, her eyes cold and calculating beneath her gentle smile.

"This is a very powerful magic stone. All you have to do is hide it under your mom Bryn's bed. After a while, the new baby will vanish-just like magic." Irwin stared, amazed. "Is it really that powerful?" "It is. But you can't tell anyone about it-not a soul. If you do, the magic won't work." Irwin nodded solemnly. "I promise, I won't say a word!" Lauren's lips curved in satisfaction. "Good. I'll need your help with this, Irwin."

"Okay!" Irwin agreed, then hesitated, a crease forming between his brows om "But... if the new baby disappears, N Where will it go? Will it be all alone without a mom? Won't it be sad, just like I was when I lost my mom?"

Children, Lauren thought, were always heartbreakingly naive. She schooled her features into a gentle expression. "Every baby comes from O heaven, sweetheart. The magic stone just sends the new baby back to heaven, where it'll wait in line for a new mom. Once it finds one, it'll be loved all over again, so it won't be sad."

Irwin's face brightened. "That's good! I was scared the new baby would be lonely like I was but if can find a new mom who loves it, it won't be sad at all!" He looked at her, seeking reassurance. "Right, Grandma?" "That's right. You're such a thoughtful boy, Irwin-always thinking about others," Lauren replied, her voice full of praise.

Irwin blushed and covered his mouth shyly. "Mom always said I was kind and sensible. She used to love me, just like you do now, Grandma." "When the new baby goes back to heaven, your mom Bryn will love you just as much as she used to," Lauren said softly.