HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 207

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

**Chapter 207**

“No need,” Arsen interjected swiftly, his voice firm despite the pain etched across his features. “I’m perfectly fine. Just ensure we’re taken somewhere secure.”

The haunting sound of tracking dogs reverberated through the dense forest, their sharp barks slicing through the cool night air and resonating off the towering pines. The glow of searchlights swept across the ground like a searching hand, while police vehicles raced toward the woods, their sirens blaring louder and more insistent with each passing moment.

“Don’t tell me he got away?” Andy growled, his fists tightly clenched, a storm brewing behind his eyes. “If I hadn’t been held back earlier, I would have left that man bleeding on the floor.”

Daven stood calm and collected behind the police line, his gaze locked onto the shadowy spot where Harold had stood just moments before. “If Harold managed to slip away, no matter how far he runs, he’s left a trail behind him. And this time, I won’t allow him a second chance.”

He shifted his attention to Arsen, who grimaced slightly, clearly battling through the pain. But before anything else, Daven needed to hear one crucial piece of information. “You didn’t forget the evidence, did you?”

“Not a chance, Mr. Daven.” Arsen forced a pained grin, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards. “Harold’s crimes are safe in my hands.”

“Good to hear. And make sure we swing by a hospital on our way back to the apartment. That injury of yours looks serious,” Daven insisted, a hint of concern creeping into his voice.

“You don’t need to worry about me, sir. I’m fine, really,” Arsen replied, though the tension in his voice betrayed him.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps broke the stillness of the night. Chris Miller burst onto the scene, his face pale but his eyes gleaming with relief as he approached.

“Daven!” he called out, jogging the last few steps before stopping in front of him, breathless and visibly shaken. “I wasn’t too late, was I? Did the police arrive in time?”

Daven assessed him for a moment, then nodded slightly. “Just in time. Though I suspect you had a feeling Harold would try something this underhanded.”

Chris let out a heavy sigh, his gaze sweeping over the chaotic aftermath of the confrontation. Harold’s guards lay cuffed on the ground, some still groaning in pain, while others were being dragged into police vans. “Honestly, I didn’t think you’d go this far. That was reckless, Daven. If the police had been just five minutes later—”

“You wouldn’t be seeing me now, would you?” Daven quipped, a faint smile teasing his lips, trying to lighten the grim atmosphere.

Chris scowled, crossing his arms. “You’ve got a sick sense of humor, Daven.” But then, a sense of pride warmed his voice as he clapped a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Still, your guts deserve respect.”

“You should get some rest, Arsen,” Daven said, his tone leaving no room for argument, a hint of authority lacing his words.

It was only now that he realized just how stubborn his assistant could be. Chris led them first to the hospital, where Arsen and Andy underwent thorough checkups. Thankfully, neither had sustained any serious injuries, though Arsen required a few stitches on his forehead from the blow he had taken.

“You don’t need to worry about me. The doctor already said I’m fine—”

“Tomorrow, you and Andy are both on leave,” Daven interjected sharply, his voice firm. “I won’t be the kind of boss who ignores the condition of the people working under him. Especially you, Arsen.”

Arsen fell silent, the weight of Daven’s words settling over him.

“If you collapse when I need you most, what happens to my schedule and meetings? You know better than anyone how much chaos that would cause.”

Arsen lowered his head, his expression almost anxious—it was rare, perhaps the first time, to hear Daven scolding him like this.

“And you, Andy,” Daven continued resolutely. “I don’t want to hear another word about you escorting me everywhere in SunCity. If your hand is still injured, how can I trust you to drive me safely?”