HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 205

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 205**

“Are you… all right, Mr. Daven?” Andy’s voice trembled slightly, laced with concern as they navigated the same corridor that had led them to Harold’s office. The air felt thick with tension, each step echoing their unease.

“What kind of question is that, Andy?” Daven replied, a wry smile flickering across his face, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “What would really ease my mind is if our ride would show up on time.”

“What do you mean, sir?” Arsen interjected, glancing back at him with a look of confusion. Ever since their exit from Harold’s office, he had been futilely attempting to hail an online taxi. Each time he pressed the button, silence met him, as if the remote location had swallowed their pleas for help. A gnawing thought spiraled through his mind: we need to get out of here.

As quickly as possible.

Just as they turned toward the main lobby, a deep, commanding voice boomed from behind them. But it wasn’t just a voice; two more men emerged from the shadows ahead, effectively blocking their escape route.

“Stop right there.”

Four of Harold’s guards stood in a tight formation, their broad shoulders and stone-cold expressions radiating an air of intimidation. Their arms crossed over their chests like predators poised to pounce. Andy instinctively stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Daven, while Arsen, feeling a surge of panic, shoved his phone back into his pocket, abandoning his attempts to call for assistance.

From behind the line of guards, Harold appeared, his grin wide but insincere, as he strolled toward them with an almost casual demeanor. “Already planning to leave? But we’re not done talking, are we?”

Daven’s hands clenched into tight fists, his expression icy. “What do you want?”

“Do you really think I’d let you walk out of here without securing something in return?” Harold’s tone dripped with condescension.

Daven’s glare hardened. “Collateral? You’re dreaming, Harold.”

Harold chuckled darkly, snapping his fingers. A staff member hurried over, clutching a thick folder brimming with documents, and thrust it toward Daven with little regard for decorum.

“Just sign these,” Harold commanded, his voice sharp and menacing. “Then transfer the funds we agreed on, and everything will go smoothly. SunCity will remain your golden field. Refuse, and you won’t be walking out of here alive.”

Anger surged within Andy, his eyes flashing with fury. “Have you lost your mind, Mr. Harold? This is extortion!”

One of the guards slammed a heavy hand onto Andy’s shoulder, forcing him to stagger back. Andy fought against the grip, but Arsen quickly caught his arm, hissing urgently, “Don’t.”

And then, like a thunderclap, sirens pierced the air. They wailed faintly at first but grew louder, swelling until they roared just outside the building. Shouts erupted at the front gate, tension crackling through the room like a live wire.

“Wouldn’t it be wiser to investigate what’s causing that ruckus at your front gate?” Daven asked coolly, as if they were merely discussing the weather.

The color drained from Harold’s face, his eyes darting nervously. “What—what do you mean, Daven?”

With arms folded casually, Daven appeared utterly composed, as though the unfolding chaos was precisely what he had anticipated. “You thought I would arrive at this meeting without backup? Every move you’ve made has been monitored. And right now, this place is surrounded.”

“Kill them!” Harold roared, rage distorting his features as he gestured furiously to his guards.

One of the hulking men lunged forward, his fist flying toward Daven—

BANG!

The cry of agony that pierced the air was chilling, blood spraying from the guard’s hand as the sudden gunshot shattered the tense atmosphere. Panic rippled through the room, and Harold himself stood frozen, stunned, as if grappling with the reality of what had just transpired.