Regretting the Wife He Threw Away novel Chapter 42

Briony was caught off guard when an unexpected email from her advisor popped up in her inbox that afternoon. Surprise washed over her—followed by something warmer, almost like hope.

She’d honestly thought Professor Winslow had given up on her long ago.

Staring at the attached photo, Briony gathered her nerve and dialed his number.

The phone rang three times before someone picked up.

Clutching her phone tightly, Briony’s voice came out thin and anxious. “Professor...?”

“Professor Winslow is meeting with an important guest right now,” a man’s voice replied.

Briony hesitated, thrown off. “...”

“You’re Briony, right?” The man sounded smug—almost mocking. “You saw the photo of the porcelain Christ figurine?”

She had no idea who this was, but if he was answering the professor’s phone, he had to be someone Winslow trusted.

“I saw it,” she answered calmly. “And you are?”

“James Delaney,” he introduced himself, his tone full of self-importance. “Currently Professor Winslow’s most promising student.”

Briony blinked, feeling a flicker of irritation.

So that’s how it is.

“Professor Winslow predicted you’d call,” James continued. “He asked me to tell you: The National Archaeological Society recently uncovered a late medieval tomb. Most of the artifacts found so far are badly damaged, and they’re searching for an exceptionally skilled and talented restorer.”

Briony listened, silent as he went on.

“He says you and I are both gifted, but I’m the one who’s shown real drive. So before he decides, he wants to see your current level of skill for himself.”

Briony caught on quickly. “So the porcelain Christ in the photo—that’s my audition, isn’t it?”

“Exactly. But you can always refuse. Professor Winslow won’t force you.”

“I’ll do it,” Briony replied, her voice steady. “Send the piece over.”

“It’s extremely valuable, so I’ll have to bring it myself. And Professor Winslow instructed me to supervise the entire process.”

“Fine.” Briony said, “Add me on WhatsApp, and I’ll send you my address.”

James chuckled. “So quick to give your number to a stranger? Aren’t you a little too easy, senior?”

Briony bristled, unsettled by his flirty tone—despite how smooth his voice was. She kept her cool and replied flatly, “It’s just for work,” before hanging up.