HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 377

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 377**

“We’re almost there,” Arsen remarked, adjusting the precariously stacked documents that had been the focus of their earlier discussion with Daven. The way he meticulously aligned the papers spoke volumes about the tension in the air.

Daven, rubbing the back of his neck in a futile attempt to ease the tension, asked, “What’s on my schedule today?” The journey had taken a toll on him; the distance from SunCity to Jiangshe was considerable, and he typically arrived in this bustling city under far less stressful conditions.

However, the current visit was anything but routine.

Just then, the flight attendant appeared once more, her voice cutting through the silence as she announced, “We will be landing shortly.”

As the engines of the aircraft finally hushed, Daven stepped into the sharp, biting air of Jiangshe. It was dry, cold, and carried a palpable tension that felt almost tangible against his skin. Arsen walked closely at his left, while four plainclothes security personnel dispersed around them, positioning themselves as if they were strangers to one another.

“Unit Two is in position,” Arsen whispered, his voice low and steady.

Daven nodded slightly, his mind racing. “Keep them discreet. We’re here to resolve an issue, not to create a larger one. And ensure that the investigator you assigned to the situation in Hainan submits a report at the earliest. I can’t afford any delays.”

“Yes, sir,” Arsen replied, his demeanor shifting into action mode, already moving to implement every directive Daven had given, including the intricate layers of security that had been arranged for his time in the city.

A sleek black car awaited them at the airport’s main entrance. One of the Jiangshe staff assigned to assist them approached, offering a formal greeting that conveyed both respect and urgency. Arsen gestured for Daven to enter the vehicle first, ensuring the guards were strategically positioned before sliding in beside him.

“After your meeting with the Jiangshe branch officials,” Arsen continued, keeping his tone professional, “you’ll be meeting with several clients involved in this project later this afternoon. I’ve prepared the briefing materials, as it seems they are gearing up for a significant protest.”

Daven merely nodded, his mind already racing ahead. “And when do I have time scheduled to check the field site?”

Arsen hesitated for just a heartbeat, but he knew better than to hide anything from Daven, especially when it concerned the man orchestrating the entire operation. “Originally… this afternoon. But given the current instability, I would recommend waiting until your last day here instead.”

Daven clicked his tongue in irritation. “Reschedule some of today’s meetings. I need to assess the situation firsthand.”

With no option but to comply, Arsen directed their car straight to the meeting venue. Upon arrival, they found several local officials already gathered inside, their faces etched with anxiety. The atmosphere grew thick with tension as the CEO of Callister Group finally entered the room.

“Mr. Callister, welcome. We’ve prepared a report regarding the land expansion permit—” one of the officials began, but Daven cut him off, his voice firm and unwavering.

“Get to the point,” he insisted, not even bothering to look up. “I want to see the situation on-site.”

“But Mr. Daven, it might be a bit dangerous to go there immediately. Part of the risk-management team is already at the location negotiating,” another official interjected, his tone laced with concern.

Daven’s gaze lifted, piercing through the group with a sharp scrutiny. “If it were that straightforward, why would I need to be here?”

A heavy silence enveloped the room.

“Is the situation too grave for you to manage alone? Or…” His eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping into his voice. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

“N-no, Mr. Daven,” one of the officials stammered, clearly flustered. “We wouldn’t hide anything from you.”

Daven exhaled sharply, his impatience palpable. “Then report the situation to me. And clarify how we reached this point.”

“Yes, sir,” they replied in unison, their voices shaky.

“I warned you, the situation is unstable,” Arsen replied cautiously. “Let me step out first—”

“I’ll go myself,” Daven interjected, his voice firm.

“Sir—”

“I just want to talk.” Without waiting for further permission, he pushed the door open and stepped out.

The moment his shoes met the ground, the shouting erupted into a frenzy.

“There he is! That’s him! Callister!”

“Heartless!”

“Our homes were destroyed! Our children lost their future!”

Daven straightened his posture, bracing himself against the barrage of accusations and grief that rained down upon him.

“I understand why you’re angry,” he called out, trying to project calm amidst the chaos. “I’m here to hear directly from—”

Before he could finish, a glass bottle hurtled from the crowd, and in a split second, someone yanked him back, pulling him out of its trajectory.

“MR. DAVEN!” Arsen shouted, his voice cutting through the noise.