HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 358

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 358**

“Althea, do you have any other guests expected today?” Kalina inquired, her voice barely above a whisper as she hesitated at the threshold, not yet fully opening the door.

In the background, the two housemaids moved gracefully through the kitchen and supply room, their quiet efficiency a testament to their dedication. They flitted in and out, carrying trays and supplies, their presence a comforting hum in the otherwise tense atmosphere.

“No, not that I know of,” Althea replied, her brow furrowing in confusion. The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on her.

“Who knows? It could be someone significant,” Felicia chimed in, finishing the last sip of her tea with a soft clink of the cup against the saucer. “After this, I’m off to La Vella to handle the remainder of Mommy’s affairs. I may not be back for quite some time.”

Althea nodded, her heart heavy. “It’s wise to ensure that the house in Mighatan is still being looked after. It shouldn’t be left to gather dust and memories,” she suggested gently, her tone laced with concern.

“Yes, I’ve already instructed the head butler at the main house to keep an eye on things. No one is to touch any of Mommy’s belongings. The absence of her presence is still palpable, Althea,” Felicia replied, her voice tinged with sorrow.

“I understand,” Althea said softly, her heart aching for her friend.

Just then, as Kalina finally swung the door wide open, they were met by the sight of Lydia standing there. Her expression was somber, yet her eyes softened with a wave of empathy upon seeing Kalina. Without uttering a single word, Lydia stepped forward and enveloped Kalina in a warm, tight embrace.

“Kalina… I am so very sorry,” Lydia whispered, her voice barely above a breath. “Your mother was truly a good woman. I still can’t wrap my head around it. If only my flight hadn’t been delayed, I know I could have seen her one last time.”

Kalina inhaled sharply, the air catching in her throat. If it had been mere business acquaintances offering their condolences, perhaps she would have managed to maintain her composure. But the heartfelt words from those closest to her shattered the fragile wall she had built around her emotions. Tears began to slip down her cheeks before she could summon the strength to stop them.

She mustered a faint smile, returning Lydia’s embrace with gratitude. “Thank you, Lydia. As long as you made it to SunCity safely, that’s all that matters. Please, come inside—Felicia and Althea are waiting for you.”

As Lydia stepped inside, Cale followed closely behind, offering Kalina a courteous nod. He appeared utterly drained, as if the weight of a sleepless night clung to him, yet his eyes remained sharp and alert. The long journey from the Bahamas to SunCity had clearly taken its toll on him.

Being Chase’s younger brother, Cale was accustomed to maintaining a cool demeanor during trying times. However, the news of Kate Callister’s passing had gnawed at him relentlessly, leaving him unable to find solace. It was as if a dark cloud loomed over him, refusing to dissipate.

The four of them congregated in the living room, a space that felt increasingly heavy with unspoken words.

“How are you holding up, Althea?” Lydia asked, her voice gentle, yet tinged with concern.

“I’m… doing my best to stick to my routines,” Althea replied softly, her composure unwavering despite the turmoil within. “The children are beginning to return to theirs as well. We’re… trying to find a way to be okay.”

Althea swallowed hard, knowing this conversation was unavoidable. There was no longer any room for evasion.

“Cale…” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “That woman—Selena Ward—came with a little girl named Eli. She claimed… Eli is Chase’s daughter.”

Cale’s expression hardened instantly, disbelief etched across his features. “That’s impossible.”

Felicia interjected, her voice steady and unwavering. “We thought so too. But she provided proof—a substantial amount of it. Including…”

“A DNA test?” Cale guessed sharply, his tone cutting through the air.

Felicia nodded slowly. “Yes, she brought the DNA results,” she confirmed. “From the Miller family’s trusted hospital.”

Cale’s jaw tightened, a storm brewing behind his eyes. “Who authorized that hospital to conduct a test without informing our family? That’s inconceivable. None of the doctors authorized to issue results would dare keep something like this from my father. This raises a huge red flag.”

Lydia appeared equally stunned, her eyes wide with disbelief. “Are you certain it was genuinely from that hospital, Althea?”