HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 366

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

**Chapter 366**

The journey to one of the Miller estates—a sprawling residence tucked away in an affluent neighborhood just on the outskirts of the city center—was enveloped in a thick blanket of silence, punctuated only by the rhythmic hum of the engine.

Selena gazed out of the car window, her eyes following the flickering city lights that streaked past like shooting stars. Inside her mind, a whirlwind of thoughts swirled faster than the car’s wheels could spin.

A dinner invitation from Nathan… just as I had envisioned. This is the moment they’ve opened the door for me. If I tread carefully, everything will align perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

Finally tearing her gaze away from the passing scenery, she turned to Eli, her daughter, and masked her own apprehension with a calm demeanor. “Are you alright?” she asked, her voice a soothing balm.

Eli let out a soft sigh, her nervousness palpable. “I’m nervous, Mom,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Selena chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. “What’s there to be nervous about?”

“It’s just… the first time I met Dad’s family, I felt… like I didn’t belong with them,” Eli confessed, her eyes downcast.

“Why would you think that?” Selena’s tone shifted, her full attention now on her daughter. “Listen to me, sweetheart. You are Chase Miller’s daughter. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise. If anyone dares to suggest you don’t belong, I will be the first to stand up and confront them. You… are Chase Miller’s daughter.”

Eli swallowed hard, the weight of her mother’s words settling deep within her. “Yes, Mom.”

“And if you’ve ever felt unworthy, that ends today. From this moment on, you hold your head high. If anyone still refuses to accept you, then you show them—without a doubt—that you are a proud member of the Miller family.”

Eli met her mother’s gaze, searching for reassurance.

“You understand what I’m saying, don’t you?” Selena pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“Yes, Mom,” Eli replied, a flicker of determination igniting within her.

“Good,” Selena said, satisfied.

As they continued their drive, Selena’s thoughts were consumed with strategy. She needed to maintain just enough pressure to ensure Eli walked the path she envisioned. The last thing she wanted was for her daughter to become an obstacle in her quest to bring the Miller family to their knees.

It wasn’t long before they arrived at the estate. Riana was already in the living room, elegantly cradling a steaming cup of jasmine tea, with Chris beside her, his attention half-occupied by the remnants of his work.

A servant guided Selena and Eli into the room to greet Riana and Chris first. As they entered, Selena inclined her head respectfully. “Mrs. Miller, Chris. Good evening.”

Riana responded with a slight smile, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Good evening, Selena.”

“I wanted to express my condolences for what happened to Nora. I truly didn’t expect—” Selena’s voice trembled as she covered her mouth, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Honestly, I still can’t believe it.”

The display of emotion was perhaps a touch exaggerated, enough for Chris to squint at her in mild suspicion. Yet he remained silent, merely observing.

“You don’t need to feel that way,” a voice cut through the tension.

Everyone turned to see Nathan entering from the other side of the room, clad in a black shirt that matched his cold, impassive demeanor.

“We should head to the dining room,” he stated flatly. “The head butler has prepared everything.”

They followed him into the dining room, where the long table was adorned with dishes crafted by the family chef, their enticing aromas wafting through the air.

A silence settled over the group for a brief moment before Nathan broke it.

“That’s not what I meant, Mr. Nathan.” Selena offered a carefully measured smile. “As I said, I just want what’s best for Eli. Isn’t she also Chase Miller’s daughter?”

Nathan cleared his throat softly, the atmosphere thickening with unspoken tension. “So, compared to Saint Loisse, you’d prefer Eli to attend SunRise?”

“Isn’t that the best option?” Selena pressed, her voice steady.

“Unfortunately, the foundation doesn’t accept mid-year transfers. Their rules are strict—even for families. Chase values academic structure and consistency. In my opinion, the most suitable choice for Eli is… Saint Loisse.”

He delivered this with an air of finality, an unspoken reminder that Nathan Miller was not a man to be contradicted. Not even by Selena.

“I see.” Selena’s smile softened, though a flicker of defiance lingered in her eyes. “If you believe Saint Loisse is the best option for Eli, I won’t object. I agree it’s an excellent school. Eli needs to be in a safe, structured, and competitive environment—one that matches the standards of the school her father built.” Her gaze sharpened momentarily as she looked directly at Nathan.

But that intensity faded almost instantly, replaced by a warm smile as she turned her attention back to Eli. “You heard your grandfather, didn’t you? You can go back to school, and this time at a well-respected place.”

Eli nodded eagerly, her excitement bubbling to the surface.

“And what should you do now?” Selena prompted, a hint of pride in her voice.

Eli stood, walked over to Nathan, and bowed slightly, her expression earnest. “Thank you for supporting me and choosing such a good school for me, Grand Dad. I’ll study hard and be diligent. And I won’t do anything you wouldn’t approve of.”

Nathan met her gaze directly, his expression softening just a fraction. “Good. That’s exactly how it should be, Eli.”

“Once again, thank you for recommending a school for Eli,” Selena said, her smile layered with meaning, hinting at the complexities beneath.

“I’m sure you wouldn’t choose wrong—after all, Eli is your granddaughter too, isn’t she?”