Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 312

Little Nina's eyes darted around before finally landing on the figurine in Stewart's hand. After a moment's hesitation, she shook her head with surprising resolve.

"Even if you're my dad, I can't accept this gift."

Stewart was caught off guard, blinking in confusion.

It took him a while to find his voice. "Why not?"

"Because if you take someone's gift, you owe them a favor!" Little Nina raised her hand with a dramatic flourish, shaking her head as she let out a tiny, exaggerated sigh, looking every bit the miniature grown-up. "You're just trying to bribe me, and I'm not falling for it!"

Stewart: "…"

Garry, who'd been watching from the sidelines, burst into laughter.

James couldn't help but smile too. He ruffled Little Nina's hair and beamed with pride. "That's my girl! Keep that sharp mind of yours, sweetheart—no smooth-talking guy will ever trick you!"

"James." Carney scolded him, "Don't fill her head with nonsense. She's only four!"

James just shrugged. "Better to teach her how the world works early. Otherwise, it'll be too late once she's older. Look at Bryn…"

He shot Stewart a glance full of mock disapproval and shook his head with a sigh. "What a mess."

Carney: "…"

Garry lounged back on the sofa, his eyes nearly disappearing as he laughed.

Little Mario, seeing his dad so cheerful for the first time, blinked his big, dark eyes and then broke into a goofy smile of his own.

"Hey!" Little Nina cried out, pointing at Little Mario in delight. "He's smiling! Little Mario, you're so cute when you smile!"

In an instant, her attention shifted from Stewart to her little playmate.

She left Stewart behind, grabbing Little Mario's hand and pulling him over to the kids' play area behind the sofa.

"Come on, Little Mario, give me another smile! If you do, I'll give you this toy too, okay?"

Little Mario: "Okay!"

"Aw, you're adorable when you smile! I wish you went to my preschool—you're way cuter than any of the boys there!"

Little Mario: "Cute!"

The grown-ups couldn't help but overhear the exchange.

It was clear Little Nina was encouraging Little Mario to talk more.

With his daughter's sweet, childish voice echoing in his ears, Stewart stared at the Elsa figurine in his hand, his eyes dark and unreadable.

…

The local grocery store was just a short walk from home.

Briony found herself growing tense at the thought of Stewart still being in the house.

Gwendolyn White tried to reassure her. "Don't worry. James and your godfather are there—do you really think Stewart could just take off with Little Nina?"

"I'm not worried he'll snatch her away. I'm worried about what he might say to her."

"Your little girl is clever as can be. Trust me, Stewart doesn't stand a chance."

Gwendolyn let out a gentle sigh. "I only brought you out because I didn't want you two arguing in front of Little Nina."

"I know you mean well," Briony replied. "It's just… court is in two days. Stewart showing up now, it's obvious he's after Little Nina."