HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 385

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 385**

“Nothing serious,” the caller stated flatly, the words devoid of emotion. “Just enough to prompt Riana to rush over and ensure the child is unharmed. After that, you can start to forge a connection. It’s time to reset your brilliant plan. Become the one person who genuinely cares for Eli—and in doing so, win her trust.”

Selena allowed the caller’s words to linger in the air, absorbing their weight. The kitchen was enveloped in a tranquil silence; Silvia moved gracefully as she cooked, blissfully unaware of the tense conversation unfolding just a few feet away.

“You crave that power, don’t you?” the voice whispered again, its tone low and enticing. “The opportunity to access a family that wields real influence in this city. You can’t afford to delay any longer.”

Selena’s gaze drifted toward the hallway that led to the bedroom where Eli had disappeared moments earlier. The image of that small face—innocent, trusting, and achingly gentle—flooded her mind.

“She’s a good child,” Selena murmured, almost to herself.

“Precisely. Good children always place their trust in their mothers.”

The caller’s voice pressed on, deliberate and coaxing, as if trying to manipulate her thoughts.

“And Eli trusts you completely, Selena.”

Selena exhaled slowly, not out of doubt but out of careful consideration. “I don’t want her to be hurt—really hurt.”

“She won’t be,” the caller replied instantly, confidence lacing their words. “Just a minor injury—enough to draw attention. Riana will come to you on her own. All you need to do is play the role of the worried, fiercely protective mother.”

Selena fell silent once more, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on her shoulders.

The voice returned, softer now, coaxing her further. “Selena… this is your opportunity to secure your position. You desire a safer future, don’t you?”

“If this works,” Selena replied slowly, the gears of her mind turning, “Riana will be completely in my grasp.”

“And after that,” the caller continued softly, “you can orchestrate everything according to your desires.”

There was a brief pause before Selena finally spoke, her voice steady. “Then do it. I’ll prepare myself.”

A low, amused laugh echoed from the other end of the line. “Good. That’s a wise choice.”

Selena remained silent, the gravity of her decision settling in.

“Be ready tomorrow morning,” the voice added calmly. “You needn’t worry—your daughter will be fine. Trust me.”

***

“Hello, Erick?”

Riana was genuinely taken aback when Erick’s name flashed on her screen. One of Nathan’s most trusted staff members rarely reached out to her directly. Something significant must have occurred…

She listened intently, her heart racing as Erick relayed the news, her spine straightening in shock.

“What?!” She couldn’t suppress her reaction, ignoring the curious stares from several staff members around her. “You’re not joking, are you?”

That afternoon, the news hit her like a sudden gust of wind.

Riana had just settled into her chair after a meeting at SunRise Academy when her phone vibrated insistently. Since Chase’s passing, she had been determined to ensure that the foundation he had built with such care did not fall into neglect. Even though Chris and Cale occasionally checked in to make sure everything was running smoothly, the weight of leadership was unmistakable—different hands led to different outcomes.

Riana refused to gamble with something Chase had cherished so deeply. Especially now, when Josh Callister was being groomed to carry SunRise Academy into the future, backed by the Callister Group and the foundation’s main benefactor, TnC Corp.

Riana scrutinized her closely, then cleared her throat before asking, “How is Eli doing?”

Selena stepped aside, allowing Riana to enter. At the sight of Riana’s unexpected visit, Silvia immediately greeted her with polite courtesy, while Eli froze in place, clearly taken aback.

“Grandma?” Eli blinked, her voice filled with disbelief as if she needed to confirm her eyes weren’t deceiving her.

“Yes, Eli.” Riana offered a faint smile, her heart aching for the child. “How are you feeling?”

Eli returned an awkward smile, her eyes still wide with surprise.

“I’m truly grateful you came to check on Eli,” Selena interjected, cutting in before the exchange could develop further. “Especially since I hadn’t even had the chance to inform you yet. I didn’t want to worry you, but it seems there are individuals you’ve placed near us?”

Riana shot Selena a sharp glance, irritation flaring within her.

“I wasn’t talking to—”

“It all happened so fast,” Selena continued, exhaling as if indifferent to Riana’s evident displeasure at being interrupted. “If Silvia hadn’t pulled Eli into her arms, I can’t imagine what might have occurred. And that customer—what was his name again, Silvia? I really need to thank him personally.”

“David, Miss Selena.”

“Ah, right. David.” Selena smiled, a hint of genuine gratitude peeking through. “If it weren’t for him, I can’t fathom what could have happened to Eli.”

Riana inhaled quietly, forcing herself to suppress the growing dislike and suspicion that had been brewing since the night before.

“Thank you for the explanation,” she said evenly, her lips curving into a thin smile that barely masked her tension. “Now… I’d like to speak with Eli. Is that all right?”