HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 216

Chapter 216

Meanwhile, in Chase’s office.

Althea sat with her hands wrapped around her coffee cup. That restless feeling had been gnawing at her all morning, no matter how hard she tried to push it away.

“Where will you be picking Josh up?” Chase asked, his voice deliberately gentle.

He knew exactly why she was like this. When it came to her own problems, Althea always handled them with calm resolve. But when it involved Josh, her composure slipped. She grew restless, worried–and that was only natural. A mother’s instinct, perhaps.

“TimeOne SunCity Plaza,” Althea replied with a long sigh. “Right now, Daven’s there with him. They had lunch together after playing.”

Chase shifted his chair closer until he was beside her, his hand sliding over hers in a quiet show of support. He wanted her to feel that he was never far, that he was always here, backing her decisions. Even this one: giving Daven permission to spend time with Josh.

“I’m certain Mr. Callister won’t cross the boundaries you’ve set, love.”

Althea closed her eyes for a moment before meeting his gaze. “Even so, I can’t help but worry.”

“If he does, won’t he be the one paying the highest price? You don’t need to fear he’ll drag you into some legal battle. And if he tries, I won’t hesitate to humiliate him publicly.”

His words pulled a small smile from her lips. “Thank you for that, Chase. Honestly, if you weren’t here beside me, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Their hands tightened together, a quiet exchange of strength–until the shrill ring of Chase’s phone cut through the moment. The name Adrian flashed across the screen. Chase answered immediately, flicking on the speaker so Althea could hear too.

“Adrian,” he said evenly.

“Sir, I’ve just come out of court. The legal proceedings involving Vanessa Blake are going smoothly, but…”

Althea instinctively straightened, focusing all her attention on Adrian’s report.

“Is there a problem?” Chase asked, calm but sharp with vigilance.

“Exactly as we suspected,” Adrian replied. “Miss Vanessa is deflecting, blaming circumstances, even trying to accuse others. But the evidence we’ve built is far too strong. The judge isn’t giving her much room to argue.”

Althea swallowed hard. “You can still handle it, right, Adrian?”

“Of course, Miss Althea. We’ve kept relentless pressure on their side throughout the trial. Many points were raised, but nothing strayed from facts grounded. The final hearing before the verdict is scheduled for next week, and you’re required to attend as the plaintiff in this case,”

Althea let out a long breath, her face clouded with thought. “Is that really necessary?”

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“Yes, Miss Althea. This will be the pivotal moment in your case. Your testimony will strengthen our position. Especially with the press–since day one, they’ve covered every detail of this trial. The headlines out there are. everywhere.”

Chase folded his arms across his chest; his eyes fixed on the phone lying on his desk. “And what about those headlines?”

“It’s still the talk of the city, sir. Every day, there’s a new article about Vanessa. Including her divorce trial with Mr. Callister. The losses on her side are immense–contracts canceled because of this scandal, agencies dropping her for multiple violations, and not to mention the Blake family business. Even her father, Theo Blake, hasn’t escaped scrutiny. His role in government is now being picked apart piece by piece.”

Althea pressed a hand to her mouth, trying to steady the storm of emotions rising inside her.

Adrian continued, “This could be the hardest blow they’ve ever faced. But we still need to tread carefully until it’s over. We can’t afford to get complacent–we never know what desperate move they might try.”

“You’re right, Adrian.” Chase’s lips curved in a faint, controlled smile. “Thank you for the report. Keep moving forward as planned.”

“Yes, sir.”

The call ended.

“So…” Chase turned back to Althea. “You’ll be preparing to head to Mighatan, won’t you?”