HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 367

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke Chapter 367**

“Thank you for the lovely dinner,” Selena expressed with a polite smile, her voice warm yet measured.

As the evening drew to a close, Selena felt a sense of accomplishment wash over her. The gathering had been a success in her eyes, providing a perfect opportunity to weave herself into the fabric of the Miller family through Eli’s educational prospects. They exchanged heartfelt farewells with their gracious hosts, the Millers.

“Take care,” Riana said, her smile delicate yet genuine. However, her demeanor shifted abruptly when Eli stepped forward with unexpected enthusiasm.

The little girl enveloped Riana in a quick embrace, her face radiating joy. “GrandMa, thank you so much for the dinner!”

“Of-of course, Eli,” Riana stammered, her attempt to maintain composure faltering under the warmth of Eli’s affection.

Next, Eli approached Nathan, her movements slightly hesitant, as if she were testing the waters. “Um… thank you, Grand Dad, for choosing a school for me. I promise I’ll work really hard once I start.”

Nathan scrutinized her, his gaze penetrating yet kind. Her eyes—a deep, clear shade that sparkled with innocence—held a magnetic quality that could evoke sympathy from anyone who dared to meet her gaze. Yet, as he looked deeper, he found no trace of Chase in this child, a realization that left him with an unsettling emptiness.

“Yes, do your best. I have faith in you, Eli,” he replied, offering a faint smile while gently patting the top of her head. “Make sure you get home safely, and don’t forget to rest well.”

As the car glided slowly through the Miller gates, the warm glow of the garden lights faded into mere specks in the rearview mirror. Eli sat in the backseat, her fingers intertwined tightly, the tension of the evening still etched across her small face, a remnant of the formalities she had navigated.

“Mom,” she called softly, glancing over at Selena, who was momentarily lost in the scenery passing by the window.

Selena turned her head, her expression shifting to one of attentiveness. “What is it, sweetheart?”

“Grandpa mentioned I’ll be going to Saint Loisse. But… can we still visit Saint SunRise tomorrow?”

A gentle smile crept onto Selena’s lips—a soothing expression that had a way of dissolving doubts and suspicions.

“Of course we can, my dear. Mommy will take you. There’s no rule against visiting. You can explore the classrooms, check out the facilities… and see if it feels like a place you might want to attend one day. You still have two whole weeks before you start at Saint Loisse.”

Eli’s eyes sparkled with eagerness. “I want to see the school where Papa used to work. But… is it really impossible for me to enroll there now?”

Selena immediately reached out, taking her daughter’s hand in hers, the warmth of her touch crafted with such care that it felt almost tangible. “Of course not, sweetheart. Mommy would never hesitate when it comes to you. It’s just… some people jump to conclusions too quickly. They don’t truly grasp how fiercely I’m willing to fight for you.”

Eli fell silent, her mind swirling with thoughts. “I won’t disappoint Mommy… or Grand Dad, or GrandMa. Even if I study somewhere else, I’m really grateful for everything.”

Selena’s smile flickered momentarily, disappearing just long enough for a cold glint to flash in her eyes before she smoothed it away with practiced ease. “You’re right. And because of that, I want you to prove yourself with all the achievements you can muster at school. You can do that for me, can’t you?”

“Of course,” Eli nodded eagerly, her determination palpable.

“Good. Because that’s how you’ll demonstrate that you deserve a place in your father’s foundation, sweetheart,” Selena said, her gaze fixed ahead, unwavering. “Saint SunRise is the premier elite school in SunCity. It stands on the foundation your daddy built. It’s a powerful institution—its graduates earn scholarships abroad every year. You must enter that school not out of pity, but because of your own merits.”

Eli bit her lower lip, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her features. “I’ll try, Mom.”

“Good. I have complete faith in you.”