HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 192

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 192**

The atmosphere in the room was thick with tension, a palpable sense of frustration swirling among the gathered staff and investors. It was evident that they were united in their sentiments, all eyes gravitating toward Sarah, who stood at the forefront of their collective discontent.

“And now you demand protection from us?” Sarah’s voice sliced through the murmurs, her bitter laughter echoing in the sterile space. “You’ve truly crossed a line, Vanessa.”

An investor, his brow furrowed with intensity, leaned forward, his tone sharp and uncompromising. “Listen closely. We’ve lost over five billion in a mere two days. If this trend continues, we won’t hesitate to initiate legal proceedings against you.”

Vanessa’s laughter was cold and mocking, though her heart raced in her chest like a caged bird. “Sue me? Please, go ahead. Let’s see who emerges victorious. I still have the Blakes backing me up.”

Sarah’s eyes flared with indignation, her fury palpable. “Ah, so that’s your strategy? To cower behind your father’s name every time you wreak havoc?”

“My father knows I’m the victim in this situation,” Vanessa retorted sharply, her voice laced with defiance. “He won’t just stand idly by while I’m attacked.”

A manager, clearly exasperated, spun in his chair, his frustration spilling over. “Victim? You’re the architect of this disaster! The entire world has seen the videos. You can’t even deny them without breaking a sweat!”

Vanessa leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms tightly as if to shield herself from their accusations. “Engaging with you is pointless. All you care about is your precious money. Do you think I haven’t lost anything? My career, my reputation—they’re in tatters!”

Sarah interjected again, her voice icy and unyielding. “If you recognize that your reputation is in ruins, why not take steps to mend it? A public clarification, an official apology—that’s the only path forward.”

Vanessa scoffed, her disdain evident in every syllable. “I will never grovel before the world. I’ve already made it clear to Krystal—I won’t debase myself for Daven, or for Althea. Not for anyone.”

A heavy silence enveloped the room, thick and suffocating. Then, with a voice as cold as steel, Sarah delivered her ultimatum.

“In that case, your contract with this agency may come to an end sooner than you anticipate. And we will ensure that every legal action follows suit.”

Vanessa sprang to her feet, her eyes blazing with defiance as she surveyed the room. “Do whatever you want. I’m not afraid. I have my own plans,” she declared, her voice unwavering.

“Miss Vanessa, please give us your response to the scandal dragging your name through the mud!”

Vanessa paused, just for a fleeting moment. She inhaled deeply, desperately trying to gather herself, her body trembling beneath the tailored fabric of her coat. Then, with great effort, she forced a smile—thin and polished, a mask she struggled to maintain.

“None of what you’ve heard is true,” she asserted, her voice cutting through the chaos with surprising clarity. “These stories are designed to target me, to bring me down. But look at me—I’m still standing here, aren’t I?”

Her words only ignited the frenzy further. The flashes of cameras became blinding, the noise deafening. Vanessa lifted her chin, pushing through the throng of reporters as if she were a queen navigating a battlefield, untouched and untouchable.

Yet, once she was safely inside the car, the carefully crafted mask shattered. The smile crumbled, and her chest heaved with the weight of her suppressed emotions. Anger coursed through her veins like fire, and she buried her face in her hands, choking back the sobs and screams that clawed at her throat.

“I must find a way to turn this around,” she muttered through clenched teeth, her resolve hardening. “Just wait, Daven. I’ll ensure you’re dragged into this scandal right alongside me.”