HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 193

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 193**

“Are you ready?” Chase inquired once more, his voice a mixture of concern and encouragement.

Today was pivotal for Althea; she had finally made her choice. The team from Tornwell & Partner Associates had meticulously prepared every document necessary for the impending legal battle. Given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved and the scandal that had unfortunately pulled Althea into its murky depths, the lawyers had strongly suggested that the lawsuit be presented in front of the press. The Miller family had embraced this strategy—it was now merely a matter of receiving Althea’s consent.

And here she stood, in the luxurious VIP lounge of TnC Group, gathering her thoughts as she prepared to step once again into the unforgiving spotlight of the cameras.

“You won’t need to say much,” reassured Adrian, the seasoned attorney from Tornwell & Partner Associates, his tone calm and steady. “Our team is well-equipped to manage the situation. There’s truly nothing for you to be anxious about.”

Althea attempted a faint smile, a fragile mask for the storm of emotions swirling within her. She inhaled deeply, reminding herself of her resolve. She had no intention of retreating. If Vanessa could act with such reckless abandon, then Althea had every right to stand her ground. Moreover, her fiancé and his family were unwaveringly supportive, a solid foundation she could lean on.

“Shall we make our way to the lobby now?” Chase suggested, glancing at the Rolex adorning his wrist, the urgency in his voice palpable. “I believe the reporters are already assembled, waiting for us.”

Taking a moment to steady her nerves, Althea inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. “Let’s go,” she replied, her voice firm despite the fluttering in her chest.

Chase matched her stride as they exited the lounge, the legal team trailing closely behind. They ascended in the executive elevator, the swift ascent leaving Althea with little time to dwell on her anxiety. As the doors slid open to reveal the lobby, she was greeted by a sea of reporters, a restless throng buzzing with anticipation. The moment Althea stepped into view, the cameras swung toward her with a fervor, shutters clicking furiously, eager to capture the image that could very well dominate the headlines tomorrow.

Althea fought to maintain her composure. Though this wasn’t her first encounter with the press, the weight of their gaze felt heavier today. She wasn’t Vanessa; she had never reveled in the limelight. If it hadn’t been for the chaos that the deceitful woman had unleashed, her life would have remained blissfully quiet, untouched by scandal.

“Miss Althea, what is your response to Vanessa Blake’s allegations that you intentionally sought to ruin her?” a reporter shouted, the urgency in his voice cutting through the air.

“Reports suggest you disseminated false information regarding your previous marriage—how do you respond to that, Miss Althea?” another voice chimed in, relentless in its pursuit of answers.

The room remained restless, low murmurs rippling through the crowd, cameras flashing intermittently, but gradually, the chaos began to subside. Reporters exchanged glances, some lowering their voices, others scribbling notes, waiting for their moment to speak.

Adrian allowed himself a brief smile before turning his gaze toward Althea, offering her a subtle nod of encouragement.

“Please, Miss Althea,” he said softly, yet his voice resonated clearly through the microphones. “The floor is yours.”

Althea inhaled deeply, feeling the tremors in her fingers dissipate as they grasped the microphone firmly. She lifted her chin, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with the reporters, despite the blinding flashes illuminating her face.

“I stand before you today not to attack anyone,” she began, her voice steady and resolute, though her heart still quivered within her. “But I cannot allow my name to be tarnished any longer. The accusations that I intentionally sought to ruin someone, or that I spread lies about my past marriage, are unequivocally false.”