HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 391

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

**Chapter 391**

Riana’s voice faltered, her jaw tightening with a mix of disbelief and anger. “Is that woman truly Eli’s mother? Her biological mother? No genuine mother would ever willingly sacrifice her own child for the sake of personal gain.” The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, a testament to her deep-seated convictions.

Cale let out a soft, humorless chuckle, the kind that lacked any mirth. “Mom, there are people out there who will stop at nothing to achieve their desires. They would even go so far as to sacrifice their own children.” His tone was grave, yet it carried an undercurrent of resignation.

Riana stared at him, her disbelief palpable. “That’s just insane.” She shook her head, as if trying to physically dispel the notion.

“Exactly,” Cale replied, his voice gentle but firm. “If we show too much hostility, she’ll just play the victim. And as long as she can spin that narrative, she holds the upper hand.” The realization of their precarious position settled around them like a thick fog.

Nathan finally interjected, his voice heavy yet steady, cutting through the tension. “We must remember one crucial fact. Every action we take now will ripple out and affect Althea and her children. No matter what happens, Althea is Chase’s wife—our son’s wife. This will inevitably influence our relationship with the Callister Group.” His words resonated with the gravity of their situation.

Riana turned her gaze to him, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. “So, you want me to just give in as well?”

“I want you to exercise patience,” Nathan replied, his tone soothing yet insistent. “While we continue to gather more evidence, including whether Eli truly is Selena’s daughter.” He hoped to instill a sense of calm amidst the brewing storm.

Cale chimed in, “Agreeing to visit the grave doesn’t mean we’re surrendering. In fact, it might provide us with insight into Selena’s next move.” His optimism was a flicker of light in an otherwise darkened room.

Riana closed her eyes, her hands clenched tightly in her lap, a physical manifestation of her inner turmoil.

“I hate this,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her.

“I know, Mom,” Cale said softly, his understanding evident in his tone. “But this is the safest course of action we have right now.”

An oppressive silence descended upon them, stretching out for several long seconds before Riana finally opened her eyes, a flicker of resolve igniting within her. “All right,” she said curtly. “I’ll arrange the time.”

Chris, watching her closely, couldn’t hide the concern etched on his face. “Are you sure, Mom? Don’t push yourself. If you’re not ready, we can postpone this. It doesn’t have to happen immediately.”

“No,” Riana replied honestly, her voice steady. “But after hearing everything you’ve explained, I’m increasingly convinced that if I refuse this request, she’ll concoct something far worse.”

The three of them exchanged glances, a shared understanding passing between them.

“Let’s just hope this isn’t a mistake,” Chris murmured, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Don’t worry,” Cale reassured him, his confidence unwavering. “I’ve already set a few people to keep a close watch on Selena. We’ll make our move once she reveals her true intentions.”

“In that case…” Riana said, her voice laced with reluctance as she reached for her phone. Her hand hesitated for a moment, the weight of her decision heavy upon her, before she dialed Selena’s number. All eyes were fixed on her, the tension palpable.

The line connected, and it didn’t take long before Selena’s voice came through, instantly bright and cheerful. “Selena,” Riana said flatly, her tone devoid of warmth. “Regarding Eli’s request, we can go to Chase’s grave.”

On the other end, Selena’s enthusiasm was almost tangible. “Really? I-I didn’t expect you to agree so quickly!” Her surprise was evident, and Riana could almost picture the gleam of hope in her eyes.

“I’ll let you know the date and time,” Riana continued, deliberately ignoring the excitement in Selena’s voice. “But come with proper conduct.” She emphasized the last words, wanting to make it clear that this was not a social invitation.

“The market doesn’t care about logic,” Chris replied, his voice steady yet filled with urgency. “All it sees is panic.”

Cale had already opened his laptop, his fingers flying over the keys. “This shouldn’t be affecting the stock this severely.”

“But the reality is,” Chris said, looking at each of them in turn, “bankruptcy rumors are spreading within… hours. My God. What is really going on?”

Cale attempted to call Arsen, then Daven, but each attempt was met with silence. “They’re not responding at all.”

“In a crisis like this, they’re likely locked in an emergency meeting, trying to navigate through this shocking turn of events,” Nathan added with a long, weary sigh. “What can we do for Daven?”

Chris, who had just concluded his call with Liam, could only exhale heavily, his face a mask of stress.

“I think I’ll head to Jiangshe, Dad. What do you think?”

“As a partner supporting the Callister Group, I don’t think that’s a bad decision,” Nathan replied, considering the implications.

Cale fixed his gaze on Chris, determination etched on his features. “If this isn’t merely a coincidence…”

Everyone in the room turned to Cale, curiosity sharpening the atmosphere, their hearts racing with apprehension.

“Then this game is far bigger than we ever imagined,” Cale finished, the weight of his words settling heavily in the air, leaving them all to ponder the depths of the unfolding crisis.