HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 245

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

**Chapter 245**

The hotel lobby radiated with the gentle glow of the morning sun, casting a warm embrace over the polished marble floors and elegant furnishings. As soon as Josh stepped out of the elevator, a spark ignited within him. His eyes widened with delight, and he dashed forward, his small frame practically vibrating with anticipation.

“Mr. Handsome!” he exclaimed, his voice ringing with joy.

Daven, who had been waiting with a smile that could light up the darkest room, bent down, arms outstretched like a welcoming embrace. “Josh!” he called out, scooping the boy into his arms and lifting him high above his head. The sound of Josh’s laughter filled the air, bright and infectious. “You’ve grown taller every time I see you!”

Josh beamed, his eyes shimmering with excitement. “Really?”

“Absolutely! It’s a wonderful thing, isn’t it? You’re meant to grow tall and strong, just like a superhero.”

“Why are you here? How did you know I was staying here, Mr. Handsome?” The boy’s curiosity bubbled over, his small face alight with wonder.

Daven gently set him down, his gaze softening with a fatherly affection that made Josh feel cherished. “Oh, I had my ways of knowing. And… didn’t your mom mention it? Today, she’s agreed to let you come with me for a little adventure.”

The ocean-blue of Josh’s eyes sparkled like the first light of dawn. “You’re… not joking?”

Daven shook his head firmly, a reassuring smile on his lips. “You can ask your mother yourself. Get her permission directly.”

Josh spun around, his heart racing as he spotted his mother standing just behind him, with Chase at her side, an ever-watchful presence.

“Mom, Mr. Handsome said I can go with him today. Is it true?” His voice was a mix of hope and eagerness.

Althea’s expression softened as she looked at her son, but the warmth in her gaze vanished the moment it met Daven’s. Her voice turned cool, steady, and sharp as a knife. “I’ll allow it—but only on one condition. Beni always stays by Josh’s side. Don’t you dare cross that line, Daven.”

Daven felt his jaw tighten at her words. “Althea, I can take care of Josh. Why—”

“There are no negotiations,” she interrupted, her tone slicing through the tension like ice. “If you can’t agree to this, we’ll cancel this right now.”

Josh glanced anxiously between them, sensing the rising storm. “Mommy—”

“Isn’t it true there’s someone far better suited to keep Josh safe, Mr. Callister?” Chase interjected smoothly, his calm authority slicing through the air. “It’s not that we don’t trust you. But we can’t afford to be careless until the situation is completely secure.”

Daven’s fists clenched at his sides before he realized it. Chase was right—yet the sting of that truth was difficult to swallow. Still, for Josh’s sake, he forced himself to relent, lowering his voice to a more measured tone. “Fine. I’ll accept. As long as I get to be with Josh.”

Leaning in closer, Chase lowered his voice into a half-whisper, his expression teasing yet sincere. “But don’t lie to me, Althea. You need this too, don’t you? A little time just for us.”

Heat rushed to Althea’s cheeks, and she opened her mouth to argue, but the words failed her. He was right—and he knew it. Chase always had a knack for breaking through her defenses.

“So where exactly are you taking me today?” she finally asked, curiosity piqued.

“That’s a secret,” Chase replied with a playful smile, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “But one thing’s for sure—it’s not the office. I’m not Daven.”

Althea scoffed, though the corners of her lips betrayed her with the faintest hint of a smile. “Fine, my dear Mr. Miller. Take me wherever you think I’ll enjoy myself.”

“With pleasure,” Chase chuckled, the sound warm and inviting.

Meanwhile, across the street, a sleek black car idled by the curb, its presence almost ghostly. The front window was cracked just enough to reveal a pair of sharp eyes, watching intently. That gaze tracked Daven as he emerged from the hotel, Josh’s small hand clasped firmly in his. The boy was all smiles, blissfully unaware that he had just become a target in someone else’s game.

Inside the car, the watcher lifted a phone and typed a quick, terse message.

“Target with Daven Callister. The boy has been taken out of the hotel. Awaiting further instructions.”