HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 144

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**

**Chapter 144**

“Mr. Daven, Mayor Harold has extended an invitation for dinner,” Arsen announced as they navigated the bustling streets toward the TnC building nestled in the heart of the city. “As per your instructions, I informed him of your arrival in SunCity this afternoon.”

Daven offered a nonchalant nod, his mind elsewhere, barely registering the gravity of the invitation. Arsen was dependable for certain tasks—especially now that Daven was in the early stages of laying the groundwork for a significant project in SunCity.

The journey to the TnC Group was remarkably smooth. The streets were alive with the pulse of city life, yet they flowed freely, devoid of the suffocating traffic that characterized Mighatan. SunCity, in contrast, exuded a sense of calm and space, a welcome relief that allowed Daven to inhale deeply, if only for a moment.

Yet, despite the serene surroundings, his thoughts were ensnared by a singular, troubling issue—Vanessa’s message. It would be disingenuous to claim it hadn’t burrowed under his skin, gnawing at his composure. That woman… as cunning as a fox, issuing threats with an audacity that left him reeling. She was the one at fault, yet instead of seeking a way to mend the rift or, at the very least, to dodge further scandal, she seemed hell-bent on positioning herself as the focal point of the drama.

Initially, all he had desired was to win the case, to sever ties cleanly and swiftly. The betrayal had become unbearable, and with the evidence he possessed, the divorce should have been straightforward—no drawn-out battles, no unnecessary squandering of time or energy. But now? Vanessa had ensnared him in a far more intricate and sordid struggle.

“I refuse to let this happen,” Daven muttered under his breath, a quiet vow laced with determination.

“Excuse me, sir? Did you say something?” Arsen glanced over, brow furrowed in confusion.

“Nothing,” Daven replied with a firm finality that brooked no further inquiry.

Yet, Arsen could sense the weight of Daven’s thoughts, the shadow of that message lingering in the air between them. Still, he understood the importance of keeping Daven’s focus sharp for the upcoming meeting with the Millers. They couldn’t afford to leave empty-handed, especially with the stalled apartment project hanging in the balance.

“We’re approaching TnC Group now, Mr. Daven,” Arsen informed, his tone professional.

The car came to a smooth stop in front of the building’s main entrance. Two staff members, clearly anticipating their arrival, approached with welcoming smiles, guiding both Daven and Arsen toward the meeting room.

The TnC Group’s edifice was a marvel of sleek, modern architecture, embodying elegance and understated luxury. Daven surmised that its owner had a penchant for minimalist design—a simplicity that spoke volumes without being ostentatious.

“This way, Mr. Daven,” one of the staff members gestured, ushering him into a private elevator. The steel enclosure whisked them up to the 34th floor with an efficiency that mirrored the company’s ethos. Another staff member informed him that Chris Miller was already awaiting his arrival.

“Please, Mr. Daven,” the man said, opening a door tucked away in the far corner of the corridor. Inside was a spacious meeting room, adorned in deep, rich browns that lent it a grounded and refined atmosphere.

“Ah, welcome, Mr. Daven Callister,” a voice resonated warmly. Daven turned to find a man with slightly wavy hair and approachable eyes that sparkled with friendliness.

This must be Chris Miller, Daven thought, recalling the name and face.

“I met your brother at a charity event,” Daven explained evenly, maintaining his composure.

“Ah, that’s right,” Chris exclaimed, snapping his fingers in recognition. “The generous foundation owner who also manages a few business interests—”

“Isn’t this meeting meant to discuss business? Let’s not make me the topic,” Chase interjected, his voice firm and authoritative.

Daven nodded in agreement, sensing the shift in atmosphere.

From that moment, the conversation pivoted entirely to business. Daven articulated his interest in acquiring a project that had once been under Chris’s supervision at TnC Group. However, as they delved into the reasons behind the project’s stagnation, an unsettling feeling began to creep into Daven’s mind. Something felt off. Mayor Harold’s persistent pressure to finalize their partnership only deepened his suspicions.

The more Daven probed, the more disquieted he became. This was precisely why he sought this meeting with Chris Miller.

Chris listened intently, weighing his words carefully. There were crucial pieces of information that Daven needed, but Chris was acutely aware of the trust deficit that lingered in the air. He had his own motivations for holding back certain truths.

If he could have dragged that rotund man into court, Chris would have done it in a heartbeat. But now… now he had the opportunity to ensnare him in a different kind of game. A clandestine arrangement.

With Daven Callister, indeed. But…