HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 196

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

**Chapter 196**

“How’s everything shaping up, Thomas? Are we all set with the preparations? Do you still require any vital documents?”

Daven’s voice, though low, carried an unmistakable weight of authority.

Sitting across from him, Thomas Harrison, his attorney, carefully closed the worn brown folder resting in his hands and placed it methodically on the polished surface of the table. “Everything is in order, Mr. Daven. The divorce petition has been officially filed with the court, and the first hearing is slated for next week. Vanessa Blake has already received the formal notification.”

A single, curt nod from Daven signified his approval. “Good. I want this wrapped up as swiftly as possible. No loopholes, no unnecessary drama.”

Thomas scrutinized him, searching for any sign of hesitation. “Unfortunately, the drama has already spiraled out of control. Speculation is rampant. The media is tracking every move you make, itching to leak anything they can to the public. And I have no doubt that Vanessa will employ every trick in the book to prolong this process.”

“I’m prepared for that,” Daven replied, his voice sharp and devoid of warmth. “She won’t be able to stall me this time. Not again.”

An uneasy silence enveloped the room, punctuated only by the rhythmic ticking of the clock on the wall.

Thomas let out a slow, measured breath. “Very well, Mr. Daven. We will ensure that you emerge victorious in this case.”

Daven acknowledged him with a nod before shifting his focus back to the mountain of work that loomed on his desk. It was a grueling task, yet he welcomed it with open arms. The relentless flow of work blurred the days together, numbing him into a mechanical rhythm where time slipped away unnoticed. He didn’t mind; operating like a machine felt far easier than confronting the tumult of his emotions.

Yet, one matter eclipsed all the files scattered before him—his impending divorce from Vanessa. An unsettling instinct churned within him, warning that this would siphon more time and energy than all the paperwork combined.

“Well then, I’ll—”

“Sir.” Arsen burst into the office, breathless and flustered, interrupting just as Thomas was poised to take his leave. The attorney halted mid-stride, staying put out of respect for the unexpected intrusion.

“My apologies,” Arsen said hurriedly, a note of regret lacing his voice.

“What has you in such a rush?” Daven asked, his tone clipped and tinged with impatience.

With an awkward grin, Arsen stepped forward, extending his tablet toward Daven. “I think… you’ll want to see this, sir.”

Daven raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. “What now?”

Arsen placed the tablet on the desk, ensuring Daven could read the bold headline with clarity. “Miss Althea has officially filed a countersuit against Vanessa. The charges include defamation, baseless slander, and several other actions that Vanessa has perpetrated against her. The media has already latched onto this story. From the looks of it, Miss Althea’s move is garnering tremendous support.”

Daven took the tablet, his eyes scanning the first page, absorbing the headlines. As he read, a shift occurred in his expression—not merely cold, but now imbued with a tempest of emotions he struggled to articulate.

“Of course, Mr. Daven. Whatever you require from us, just say the word. We’ll provide full support wherever we can.”

Daven’s lips curled into the faintest semblance of a smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I want to ensure that during my divorce trial, if Althea’s name arises, Vanessa doesn’t gain the upper hand. Althea and I—we ended things cleanly. No loose ends. No,” His tone hardened, a steely resolve evident. “If it comes to that, let the blame fall on me for the dissolution of that marriage. But do not allow Vanessa to wield it as a weapon against her. Do you comprehend what I’m asking?”

For a prolonged moment, both Arsen and Thomas regarded Daven with a mixture of surprise and understanding. It was evident now—this time, Daven had no intention of leaving any room for Vanessa to defend herself. If anything, he was prepared to shoulder the burden himself if it meant protecting Althea.

A faint smile graced Thomas’s lips as he rose, sensing that his role in the meeting had reached its conclusion. “I’ll continue to oversee the proceedings, Daven. You should concentrate on what you can control.”

Daven nodded slowly, a hint of gratitude in his expression. “Thank you, Thomas.”

Without uttering another word, Thomas exited the office, leaving only Arsen behind—who still had matters that couldn’t wait.

One of those matters being…

“My apologies, sir,” Arsen began, his tone hesitant. The news about Althea’s countersuit had momentarily distracted him, nearly causing him to forget something significant. “I neglected to pass along something important.”

Daven’s gaze sharpened, curiosity piqued once more. “What is it?”

“Mrs. Kate asked that you come home for a while. She mentioned there’s something she wishes to discuss with you.”