HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 230

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 230**

Althea pressed her palm against her lips, a gesture that betrayed her astonishment. Her eyes roamed the luxurious suite, taking in every detail—the king-size bed adorned with pristine white linens, a mountain of pillows inviting her to sink into their softness, a private balcony boasting plush lounge chairs, and a marble bathroom that sparkled with the promise of indulgence, highlighted by a massive bathtub that seemed to beckon her for a long, soothing soak. The entire space exuded an air of opulence and grandeur, as if it were a scene from a fairy tale.

“Chase,” she murmured, the name escaping her lips like a revelation, a truth that aligned perfectly with all that surrounded her. “Of course, this is his doing.” The realization filled her with a mixture of gratitude and confusion, leaving her wondering about the depths of his intentions.

Just then, Josh burst into the room, his energy palpable as he clutched a box of biscuits in his small hands. “Mommy, can I try everything? I promise I’ll still finish dinner. Please?” His eyes sparkled with excitement, a glimmer of mischief that made it hard for Althea to resist his request.

A gentle smile crept onto her face as she brushed her fingers through his tousled hair, a gesture filled with warmth and affection. “Of course, sweetheart. Just remember, don’t spoil your dinner, alright?”

His head bobbed enthusiastically, already tearing into another pack of biscuits before flopping onto the sofa with a contented sigh. “This is the coolest hotel I’ve ever seen! Look at that TV! It’s huge! Mommy, can we watch a movie tonight?” His enthusiasm was infectious, and Althea couldn’t help but chuckle softly, even as her eyes continued to absorb the suite’s splendor.

“Absolutely. Tonight, you can choose whatever you want to watch,” she replied, her heart swelling with joy at his delight.

Josh threw his arms up in the air, letting out a triumphant cheer. “Yay! Thank you, Mommy!” His exuberance filled the room, a bright contrast to the opulent surroundings.

“You should also remember to thank Uncle Chase,” she reminded him gently, wanting to instill a sense of gratitude in her son.

“Was it him who booked this hotel for us?” Josh’s eyes widened in admiration, his innocent curiosity shining through.

“Who else do you think would do such a thing?” Althea replied, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Maybe Mr. Handsome?” he suggested, a hint of mischief dancing in his voice.

Althea blinked in surprise, caught off guard by his casual mention of Daven. “Where did that idea come from?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. She hadn’t expected Josh to bring him up so nonchalantly.

Josh merely shrugged, unbothered as he happily munched on the chocolate balls he adored. “Mr. Handsome told me once that someday I could visit his place. I was curious, so he showed me some pictures, Mommy. I was amazed. And this… this feels the same. The big room, the shelves of books, the huge TV too.”

Althea’s mind barely registered the rest of his words. Her thoughts snagged on that particular phrase: “Someday I could visit his place.” What exactly had transpired between them that gave Daven the audacity to suggest such a thing?

****

“I hope you’re right,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

“And as Mr. Chase requested,” said another member of the team—the quiet one who had remained mostly silent until now—”there will be more reporters today than at any of the previous hearings. I believe it’s part of his strategy, to ensure Vanessa realizes she’s up against something she can’t simply dismiss.”

A wave of relief washed over Althea, a small comfort in the storm of emotions swirling within her.

“The key is simple,” another lawyer continued, his tone calm and collected. “Stay calm. Let Vanessa be the one to lose control. That will convince the judge more than anything else.”

“Thank you. Truly. I don’t know how I would face this without all of you,” Althea said, her gratitude palpable.

Adrian cleared his throat, his demeanor professional yet warm. “You’re our client, Miss Althea. A valuable one. It’s our duty to provide you with the best possible representation.”

“In that case… shall we go?” she asked, her voice steadying as she prepared to face whatever lay ahead.