HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 187

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

**Chapter 187**

“Chase, you’re going to absolutely love this,” Cale had exclaimed, his laughter echoing through the phone before he abruptly ended the call. Just moments later, a new message chimed in, and with it came the photo that sealed Vanessa Blake’s fate. Cale felt a surge of satisfaction; one thing was clear—Vanessa Blake was not going to slip away from Althea’s lawsuit unscathed.

“Your days are numbered, Vanessa Blake,” Cale muttered under his breath, a smirk creeping onto his lips as he confirmed that the image had successfully reached his brother.

Meanwhile, on the opposite side of the sprawling city, far removed from the dazzling skyscrapers of SunCity, the atmosphere was laden with despair. In a cramped, poorly lit room, a solitary yellow bulb dangled from the ceiling, casting a sickly, flickering glow that struggled against the thick haze of stale cigarette smoke. The air was stifling, almost tangible in its heaviness.

Cale lounged with an air of casual dominance in a cold metal chair, observing the young man seated across from him. This was James Sullivan, a boy whose shoulders sagged under the weight of his own failures, his gaze cast downward in resignation.

“You do understand the reason for your presence here, don’t you?” Cale’s voice was deceptively calm, yet it sliced through the tension like a knife, sending a chill coursing through the room.

James nodded, his face wan and drawn. “I… please, just let me go. I’ve already—”

“Silence,” Cale interrupted, leaning forward, his eyes narrowing, radiating a predatory intensity. “Did you genuinely believe that no one was aware of your little escapades with Vanessa? Have you lost your mind?” His tone dripped with disdain. “Did you think her husband would simply turn a blind eye? Even if I have my doubts, surely he must realize who has been cleaning up Vanessa’s messes every time she strayed behind Daven’s back?”

James swallowed hard, his fists clenching tightly on his knees, knuckles turning white. “I… I’ve told you, Mr. Cale. I did it because I love Vanessa.”

A soft, mocking chuckle escaped Cale’s lips, echoing in the dim room. “Love? How quaint. Is it truly love, or is it more akin to obsession, Sullivan? You’ve practically bartered away your self-respect for that woman.”

James fell silent, his head drooping even lower, as if he could somehow disappear into the floor.

“I can’t help but wonder,” Cale continued, his voice dripping with sarcasm, “does Vanessa harbor the same feelings for you?”

“Of course she does,” James blurted out, his voice rising with fervor. “She loves me too! She doesn’t care for Daven anymore. He’s too consumed by his work, never paying attention to Va—”

Cale interrupted him with a loud, exaggerated clap of his hands, laughter laced with scorn. “Bravo! Truly, you are a man overflowing with confidence.”

“But it’s the truth!” James retorted, his voice cracking under the strain of his emotions.

Cale stroked his chin thoughtfully, his gaze piercing as he scrutinized James with undisguised contempt. “If that’s the case, then why aren’t you by Vanessa’s side right now?”

The question ignited a fire in James, a low growl escaping his lips as he locked his gaze onto Cale’s, defiance igniting within him.

Tears threatened to spill from James’s eyes. “And if I refuse?”

Cale leaned in closer, his voice a chilling whisper that sent shivers racing down James’s spine. “If you refuse, tomorrow morning, your sister’s face will be plastered across every news outlet. The choice is yours.”

James trembled, a wave of dread washing over him. He understood the gravity of the situation. The mere mention of the Miller name was enough to instill fear—crossing this man would be akin to signing his own death warrant. “Fine. I’ll do it. Whatever you want.”

Cale rose from his chair, casually adjusting his suit jacket with an air of finality. “Excellent. Remember this, Sullivan. You’re nothing more than a pawn in this game. And I am the one orchestrating the moves.”

James lowered his head, battling the tempest of emotions swirling within him. He realized with painful clarity that his love for Vanessa was being twisted, transformed into a weapon that could both destroy him and tether him to her. Yet, despite everything, he couldn’t bring himself to abandon her.

“Now, for the next step…” Cale’s tone took on a commanding finality. “If Vanessa reaches out to you, tell her you’ll return—only after she’s officially divorced from Daven.”

“But, Mr. Cale,” James protested, desperation seeping into his voice. “It can’t work that way. I know she’s not okay right now.”

“Vanessa… or your sister?” Cale countered coolly, standing tall. “The choice is yours, Sullivan.”