HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Vanessa arched a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Is this really the grand breakfast you prepared for the Callister family?” she asked, her voice laced with mockery. “Toast and soup? That’s it? Isn’t that a bit… dull? Or is that all your cooking skills can manage, Althea?”

Althea turned slowly to face her, her demeanor composed and steady. “This is the kind of breakfast Daven usually prefers,” she said evenly.

Vanessa chuckled softly, a cruel, mocking sound. “How sweet,” she sneered.

Resting her chin on her hands, Vanessa narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp and unforgiving. “Are you trying to insult the Callister family by serving such a simple meal? Or are you just too lazy to put in any effort?”

Althea met her eyes calmly. “And what makes you think that, Miss Vanessa?” she replied coolly. “I prepared something I know Daven enjoys in the mornings.”

“Oh, please,” Vanessa scoffed dismissively. “That might be your idea of breakfast, you cheap woman. But Mommy Kate, and my sisters Felicia and Kalina—they have refined tastes. No wonder they’re turning up their noses at this. What did you make again? Toast and soup? Pathetic.”

Althea fought to keep her patience. “Actually… I made all of this for Daven,” she said quietly.

Vanessa burst into a sharp, mocking laugh. “Oh, come on. That’s ridiculous. Daven’s tastes are far more sophisticated than this.” She pushed the plate of toast, adorned with various jams, away with obvious distaste. “Make me a vegetable omelet with smoked salmon and avocado. And don’t make the tea too hot. Honestly, prepare a proper breakfast.”

“Excuse me?” Althea asked, maintaining her calm.

“You heard me,” Vanessa said smoothly, crossing her legs with practiced grace. “I want something edible this morning. I can’t be expected to eat like… commoners.” She glanced toward Kate. “I’m sure my future mother-in-law won’t mind if I ask for something decent.”

“Of course not, darling,” Kate replied sweetly, without hesitation. “Althea, just make what Vanessa wants. You’re living here rent-free, aren’t you? Still clinging to that title of ‘Daven’s wife’? Oh, please!” Kate laughed loudly.

Her amusement was quickly mirrored by Felicia and Kalina, both clearly relishing the spectacle.

“Get on with it, and make Vanessa what she wants. And the rest of us too, Miss High-and-Mighty Maid. Don’t forget—you’re nobody here.”

Althea pressed her lips together tightly. Slowly, she untied the apron she had been wearing. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe it’s my responsibility to cater to demands beyond what I’ve prepared,” she said softly but firmly. “If Miss Vanessa wants something different, she can speak to the kitchen staff.”

Kalina laughed with scorn. “Wow, getting bold, aren’t we?”

Felicia smirked slyly. “Or maybe she’s feeling special after Daven granted that pathetic little request of hers.”

Vanessa, never one to hide her contempt for Althea, crossed her arms defiantly. “Oh, I almost forgot—Mom, did you know? Yesterday, this shameless woman showed up at Daven’s office. Said she was bringing him lunch.”

She rolled her eyes dramatically. “I swear, she was fawning all over him right in front of his assistant. It was disgusting.”

“Did you make this?” he asked quietly.

Kate froze mid-sentence. Felicia and Kalina blinked, stunned into silence. Vanessa looked completely thrown—how dare he ignore her and focus on Althea?

“Yes,” Althea replied softly. “I hope it suits your taste.”

“Lani,” Daven called to a maid standing near the door, “bring my breakfast—and my wife’s—to the study. I want to eat with her. Alone.”

The room fell utterly silent.

“You don’t mind, do you, my wife?” he asked, looking directly at Althea.

Still recovering from the shock, Althea could only nod stiffly.

“Then hurry up,” Daven said, his voice soft but with a quiet urgency. “I don’t want to be late for work.”

What else could Althea do but follow him?