HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 186

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

**Chapter 186**

“Must it truly be this way?” Althea’s voice trembled, uncertainty weaving through her words like a thread in a fraying tapestry.

The atmosphere in the conference room of SunCity was thick with an almost palpable tension that afternoon. Althea sat beside Chase Miller, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Around them, a team of attorneys—selected with precision by the Miller family—moved with purpose, their demeanor professional yet intense. At the head of the table, Daniel Miller commanded the room, his presence radiating authority and assurance, while various legal staff sifted through meticulously organized stacks of documents, their fingers dancing over papers as they prepared for the battle ahead.

“Absolutely, sweetheart,” Chase replied, a brief chuckle escaping his lips, though it lacked any hint of humor. “We’re facing a woman who knows how to manipulate the narrative, and let’s not kid ourselves—she’s a celebrity. Any story that connects her name to yours is bound to go viral. You’ve witnessed the fallout firsthand, haven’t you?”

Althea let out a slow, measured breath, her mind racing with doubt. “I just hope I’m not making a grave mistake.”

Daniel turned his gaze toward her, his eyes steady and reassuring. “You have nothing to fear, Althea.” His voice exuded the calm authority of a father who would go to great lengths to protect his child, a man who believed wholeheartedly in her innocence.

“All you need to do is heed the counsel of the exceptional legal team I’ve arranged for you. Here in SunCity, they’re renowned for winning some of the most challenging cases. They don’t just represent TnC Group; they also stand with the Miller family.”

The name “Tornwell and Partner Associates” echoed in Althea’s mind, carrying an undeniable weight. She had never envisioned herself in a room with such esteemed lawyers. If it weren’t for Chase, she doubted she would ever find herself in this position, feeling both honored and overwhelmed.

“Althea, you’ve made the right decision,” Daniel continued, his tone firm yet nurturing. “Never allow anyone to trample on your dignity for too long. It’s time to stand your ground—the dignified way.”

Chase chimed in with conviction, “This isn’t merely about your reputation. It’s about Josh’s future. You have every right to ensure that your son doesn’t grow up burdened by the labels the media throws at you.”

One of the attorneys, a sharp-eyed woman, opened a folder, revealing a thick stack of documents. “We’ve already prepared the countersuit. Charges include defamation, slander, and moral damage. With today’s broadcast footage and your marriage documents with Mr. Callister, we have more than enough evidence.”

Althea inhaled deeply, her resolve strengthening. “I refuse to give Vanessa even the slightest opportunity to twist the narrative in her favor again.”

“Worry not,” Daniel said, his hand coming down firmly on the table, as if to punctuate his words. “The Miller family stands resolutely behind you. You’re not merely Chase’s partner—you’re part of this family now.”

Her eyes glistened with gratitude, softening her features. “I can’t express my thanks enough, Mr. Miller.”

Daniel’s brow furrowed slightly. “Why do you persist in calling me ‘Mr. Miller’? Soon, you’ll be my daughter-in-law. Even Josh already calls me GrandDad.”

A warm flush crept across Althea’s cheeks, a shy smile tugging at her lips. Why did he have to make it sound so uncomplicated? “You’re right… Papa.”

“Ah, now that’s much better.” Daniel’s stern expression melted into the faintest smile, a glimmer of warmth breaking through his authoritative facade.

The subtle exchange did not escape the notice of the legal team, particularly Jack Tornwell, the senior attorney leading the case. Normally, he would delegate this matter to one of his associates, but his long-standing business relationship with TnC Group made it impossible to treat this case lightly. Now, he realized that the woman seated across from him was not just any client—she was on the verge of becoming part of the Miller family.

No wonder they were fully committed to her defense. No wonder she was deemed untouchable. For Jack, winning this case was not merely a professional obligation—it was a certainty. With the evidence stacked in their favor, he felt an unshakeable confidence that victory was within reach.

“I don’t know,” Cale laughed, though the sound was edged with something darker. “Maybe I just relish the thought of watching that woman crumble.”

Chase narrowed his eyes, sensing an undercurrent of personal vendetta. “Sounds a bit personal. Do you have a grudge against her?”

“I can’t forget the time she turned down a deal with one of my subsidiaries in XiangChen. She claimed my company wasn’t ‘worthy’ of collaborating with her.”

Chase erupted into laughter at his brother’s revelation. “You’re out of your mind.”

“As far as I recall, you’re the only one in this family who plays by the rules. Chris and I—we’re nothing like you, Chase.”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

A pause hung in the air before Cale’s voice dropped, icy and serious. “One more thing. Don’t stress about the media noise. The source… has already been dealt with.”

Chase’s brows knitted together in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“I’ll send you a picture. Once you see it, you’ll understand.”