HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 190

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 190**

“Over the top,” Vanessa murmured under her breath, her voice barely a whisper as she stood before the full-length mirror in her bedroom. She scrutinized her reflection for what felt like the third time, but the truth was, she had lost count. The long black coat she wore draped over her shoulders like a protective shroud, concealing not only the bandages that wrapped around her body but, more crucially, shielding her from the prying eyes of the reporters who were undoubtedly lurking just outside.

“There’s no way I can leave without an escort,” she thought, the weight of her predicament pressing heavily on her chest.

With a sudden determination, she snatched her phone from the vanity, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed the only person left in her life whom she could trust—her father’s aide.

“I need a security detail,” she said, her voice clipped and urgent. “Send people to pick me up from the house right now.”

On the other end, she could hear a long, drawn-out exhale, followed by a tone that was both careful and polite. “I’m sorry, Miss Vanessa, but Mr. Theo has forbidden you from leaving the house for the time being. There are too many risks to consider—”

“I have to meet with my agency,” Vanessa interjected, her tone sharp and insistent. “There are matters that need to be discussed. Can’t I at least do that? Tell my father I won’t act recklessly or tarnish his name.”

“What about the reporters? They’ve been stationed outside, waiting for your appearance,” the aide responded, still hesitant.

“I know they’re out there. I won’t say anything careless.”

A heavy silence hung in the air, stretching on until Vanessa’s voice became more insistent, tinged with desperation. “Dad, please. I can’t go to the agency without protection. Those damn reporters will bombard me with disgusting questions.”

At last, her father’s voice broke through the line—firm, commanding, as always. “I’ll send some men. But remember this, Vanessa—this isn’t only about you. It’s about the Blake family’s name. Whatever happens there, you will hold yourself together. Do you understand?”

Vanessa exhaled in relief, a flicker of warmth igniting in her chest despite the gravity of the situation. “Yes, Dad.”

“If you cause any more scandals, I won’t help you again.”

“You won’t abandon me, will you?” she asked, a faint smile teasing her lips, the knot in her chest loosening just a bit.

“Foolish girl. I can’t abandon you—you carry my name. I’m already working on a counterattack against Daven and Althea. All you need to do is endure. That’s it.”

The call ended abruptly, leaving Vanessa standing in the silence of her room for a moment longer. She picked up her handbag with a lighter step, her father’s words providing a flicker of comfort, even if they were more about his reputation than her well-being. Still, at least she wasn’t entirely alone in this chaos.

***

The sleek black car that carried Vanessa sped through the bustling streets of Mighatan, the city blurring past in a whirlwind of colors and sounds. Two broad-shouldered men occupied the front seats, their expressions stoic and watchful, while she leaned uneasily against the luxurious leather of the back seat. Her gaze flitted nervously to the window, scanning the surroundings as if expecting the paparazzi to leap out from the passing traffic at any moment.

“Don’t worry, Miss,” one of the guards reassured her, his voice steady and calm. “We’ll make sure you get into the building safely.”

“Safe?” Vanessa let out a bitter, humorless laugh that echoed with disbelief. “There’s no such thing as safe today.”

As the car turned into the agency’s lot, her worst fears were confirmed. A swarm of reporters lay in wait, cameras raised like weapons, microphones thrust forward like spears. The air erupted with a cacophony of shouts the moment Vanessa stepped out of the car.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify