Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 25

After her shower, Julia slipped into fresh clothes. Briony and Stella whisked her off to a salon next.

Julia’s hair had been chopped short during her time in prison, and five years later, streaks of gray had crept in. Briony asked the stylist to dye the grays black and give Julia a gentle trim, shaping her hair into something softer, more hopeful.

When they left the salon, Julia felt as if she’d been reborn.

Briony had reserved a private dining room for lunch. Just before noon, the trio arrived at The Regal Waters Hotel.

Their room was on the third floor. A waiter led the way.

As they turned a corner, a group approached from the opposite direction. At the front was an elegant older woman, her bearing regal and unmistakable. By her side walked a young man whose sharp features bore a striking resemblance to Briony.

Briony frowned. Of all places... She never imagined they’d run into the Kensingtons here.

When Julia saw them, her face drained of color and she froze mid-step.

Stella was dumbstruck too. Was the world really this small?

Ms. Hudson’s first day out of prison, and she already bumped into these people!

“Unbelievable,” Stella muttered under her breath. “Julia, when we get home, you’re walking through the fireplace again for luck!”

Julia pressed her lips together, silent, but the tension in her posture gave her away.

Briony considered steering Julia in another direction, but the Kensingtons had already spotted them.

Malcolm’s mother, Madeline Kensington, slammed her cane against the marble floor, her voice ringing out. “Mack, isn’t that the wretched woman who killed your father?!”

Mack glared at Julia, eyes brimming with hatred. “Yes, Grandma. It’s her.”

Madeline seethed. “So I can’t even have a peaceful eightieth birthday! That vile woman is out of prison!”

The rest of the Kensington clan behind her chimed in, equally incensed.

“My brother died so unjustly, and look at her! Five years in prison and she walks free, waltzing into fancy hotels for lunch? It’s disgusting!”

“If Briony hadn’t protected her back then, she would’ve been executed!”

Madeline’s voice trembled with rage. “My son’s death can’t be wiped away just because you spent five years behind bars, you wretched woman!”

“Don’t worry, Grandma,” Mack spat, stalking toward them, “I’ll get justice for Dad. One way or another.”

Briony eyed Mack’s approach, knowing he meant trouble. She stepped in front of Julia, shielding her.