HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 156

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 156**

Vanessa felt her breath catch in her throat—not due to the weight of James’s words, but because of the unexpected voice that shattered the tension in the air.

“Papa?”

Both Vanessa and James turned abruptly toward the doorway, where Theo Blake stood, a figure frozen in shock. The expression on his face was a tumult of emotions—wide-eyed disbelief and an intense fire of understanding ignited by the words he had just overheard. Vanessa had no way of knowing how long he had been lurking there, but the gravity of his presence was undeniable.

“Since when… were you standing there?” Vanessa managed to ask, her voice trembling slightly as she fought to maintain her composure, pushing back the rising tide of anxiety that threatened to consume her.

“You’re asking me that?” Theo advanced, his demeanor shifting from surprise to fury, each step echoing the weight of his anger.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Theo—”

Before Vanessa could finish, a loud SLAP! rang through the room, sharp and jarring. Theo’s hand had struck James with such force that he stumbled backward, barely managing to catch himself against the sofa. But Theo was far from finished; he transformed his cane, a tool of support, into a weapon as he swung it down toward James without a moment’s hesitation.

The blows rained down swiftly, fueled by a tempest of unrestrained rage.

“How dare you!” Theo bellowed, his voice trembling with the intensity of his fury.

Vanessa stood frozen, her heart racing as she watched the scene unfold. Despite her disdain for James’s earlier remarks, she could not simply stand by and witness the violence. With a surge of instinct, she rushed forward, gripping her father’s arm as he prepared to strike again.

“Papa, stop!” she cried, desperation lacing her words as she clutched his wrist tightly. “Please, stop!”

“Get away from me!” Theo snapped, pushing her hand aside with a ferocity that sent a chill through her. “Don’t you dare interfere!”

“But, Papa—!”

His growl was low and menacing, a warning that sent shivers down her spine. James lay crumpled on the floor, groaning in pain, his attempts to shield himself with his arms having proven futile against the onslaught of the cane.

“Get out before I change my mind!” Theo barked, his voice a thunderclap of authority.

Vanessa rushed to James’s side, crouching down to help him. Her heart pounded wildly as she took in the sight of his battered form. “You’re hurt, James,” she said, concern flooding her voice.

“It’s fine, Miss Vanessa,” he murmured weakly, the pain evident in his eyes. “I’m sorry… for what I said earlier.”

She shook her head vigorously, her resolve hardening. “You should leave. Go to the clinic right away and get treated.”

“What about you?” James’s concern shifted to her, his own injuries forgotten as he focused on her well-being. “This is my fault. I should never have—”

“Go,” Vanessa insisted, her tone firm. “I can handle my father.”

“But, Miss Va—”

“Please.” Her voice softened, her gaze pleading with him. “Don’t make me suffer by seeing you hurt, James.”

James felt a pang in his chest. How was he supposed to guard his heart against her? Beneath her composed exterior, he saw a gentle spirit, one that had him chasing after a love that felt forever out of reach.

And that was enough for him.

“If you need help, call me right away,” he said, his voice steady despite the pain.

Vanessa nodded, accepting his words without argument.

“What are you still standing there for? Get out!” Theo barked at James, his patience evaporating, his mind racing with disbelief at what his daughter had been doing behind his back.

As soon as James stepped out of the apartment, Theo jabbed the tip of his cane toward Vanessa, his fury palpable.

“Tell me exactly what your damned assistant meant by that, Vanessa.”

“Papa,” she attempted to keep her tone even, striving to calm the storm of his anger. “It’s nothing you—”

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