HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 56

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

**Chapter 56**

“I must admit, Mr. Daven, your presence at tonight’s banquet comes as a delightful surprise,” Sugimura remarked with genuine warmth. The moment his assistant had relayed the news of Daven Callister’s arrival, a broad smile blossomed on Sugimura’s face. It felt like an eternity since they had last engaged in a meaningful conversation. Official gatherings often felt like a parade of obligations, each overshadowing the opportunity for genuine connection.

“Being here again is an honor, Mr. Sugimura,” Daven replied, inclining his head slightly in a gesture of respect, his demeanor reflecting the formality of the occasion.

“Oh, come on! You’re as stiff as a board!” Sugimura teased, laughter lacing his voice as they strolled side by side into the vibrant heart of the banquet hall.

Their footsteps harmonized with the gentle cadence of traditional Japanese melodies wafting through the air, the soft strumming of a koto mingling with the delicate notes of a shamisen, creating a serene atmosphere that enveloped them. The venue was a masterpiece of elegance, adorned with red-and-white paper lanterns that danced lightly from the ceiling, while artificial cherry blossoms stood gracefully in the corners, infusing the space with a tranquil charm.

The guests, dressed in an array of refined formal wear, brought a touch of modernity with a few opting for stylishly updated kimonos, paying homage to the cultural setting. To their right, an opulent buffet beckoned, displaying an array of sushi, sashimi, and traditional Japanese delicacies, each dish meticulously arranged atop silk-draped tables, a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

“You appear remarkably calm tonight,” Sugimura noted, taking a sip of his green tea, his gaze appraising. “I remember the last serious conversation we had—you looked like a man teetering on the edge of chaos, burdened by unfinished business. Was the pressure truly that suffocating?”

A faint smile graced Daven’s lips, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “I suppose it was.” He reached for a champagne flute from a nearby table, and with a gesture of respect, he offered one to Sugimura first. “These past few years have been a whirlwind for Callister Corp. We’ve undergone significant restructuring at our headquarters, and my focus has been pulled in countless directions. I hope I didn’t inconvenience you during that tumult.”

“Oh, not at all,” Sugimura replied easily, accepting the glass with a nod of gratitude. “Managing a large corporation is never without its trials. Yet, once you navigate through the storm, there’s a unique satisfaction that follows, wouldn’t you agree? Especially when you’re embarking on something as ambitious as an international expansion.”

Daven nodded thoughtfully, his interest evident in the way his brow furrowed slightly. “I believe it’s a project worth delving into further.”

Before their conversation could deepen, a few business associates approached, offering their congratulations on Callister Corp’s expansion into Osaka. Daven accepted their greetings with grace, his responses a blend of diplomacy and firmness. Yet, amidst the formal exchanges, his gaze occasionally wandered across the ballroom, absorbing the vibrant flow of the evening.

The atmosphere tonight felt unexpectedly soothing, even warm—a pleasant surprise. Attending this event hadn’t turned out to be such a dreadful idea after all, or so he reassured himself.

Once the more formal exchanges with other guests had concluded, Sugimura discreetly gestured to one of his staff members, signaling for them to give the two men some privacy. They moved toward a side balcony just off the ballroom, which opened up to a quaint Japanese-style garden, softly illuminated by lanterns and framed by meticulously sculpted bonsai trees. The cool night air carried with it the calming scents of tea and fresh foliage.

“I thought it might be more conducive to discuss the social aspect of the project in a more intimate setting,” Sugimura said, taking a sip of his green tea, his eyes reflecting a blend of anticipation and seriousness.