HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 576

Chapter 576

“Yes.” Althea opened her arms wide, hugging her daughter tightly and pressing a kiss to the top of her head.” What did you do today, hmm?”

“Swimming! I learned how to dive and… played water volleyball.”

Althea arched a brow dramatically. “And you lost?”

“Of course not.” Grace puffed out her chest proudly. “Josh lost.”

“Oh?” Althea teased, narrowing her eyes playfully.

Grace grinned wider. “Eli and I were on the same team. We’re unstoppable.”

Althea laughed softly. “I’m sure Uncle Cale would love to hear that story.”

“Are they all coming home together?” Grace asked, her voice suddenly hopeful.

Althea nodded without hesitation.

“Really? Everyone?” Grace’s eyes lit up instantly, sparkling with excitement.

Althea turned to her and smiled. “Yes. Uncle Cale, Uncle Chris, Grandpa Nathan… all of them.”

Grace practically bounced on her toes. “So we’re having a big dinner?”

“It looks like it,” Althea replied warmly.

For a moment, Eli lingered at the edge of the kitchen, uncertain. Then she stepped closer to the island. “May I… help

1. Althea?”

been quietly observing Grace and Althea’s easy affection, shifted her attention to Eli. There was deniably gentle about the girl. She always tried to place herself within the family—not to stand aim attention, but simply to belong.

fted her face and looked at her kindly. “What would you like to help with?”

thought quickly. “I can make chocolate pudding. Do you like that, Grace?”

Grace nodded so fast it was almost comical. “Of course! Chocolate is my favorite. And make the vanilla sauce too!”

Althea chuckled. “All right. But be careful with the stove.”

Eli nodded seriously. “I know how.”

She moved with careful efficiency-checking the pantry, politely asking one of the kitchen staff to help her gather what she needed. Grace busied herself beside her, searching for fun molds to pour the pudding into.

Eli took a small saucepan, measured the milk, sifted in the cocoa powder. Her movements weren’t clumsy, but they weren’t overly confident either. Every now and then, she glanced toward Althea, silently making sure she was doing it right.

1/3

Grace stood close, helping measure the sugar. “Don’t make it too sweet. Josh doesn’t like it too sweet.”

Eli gave a small smile. “Really?” She tucked that information carefully into her memory.

Since finishing her vocal practice with Eltha, she’d been allowed to play with Grace more often. It felt… wonderful. When she first arrived at this house, she hadn’t had many chances to spend time with her. Grace was bright and energetic-so full of life that sometimes Eli felt a little breathless trying to keep up.

But she was happy. Truly happy.

The kitchen slowly filled with the warm, sweet scent of chocolate. Riana watched the two girls quietly, her expression difficult to read-there was warmth there, certainly. A faint tenderness. And something else.

Pity.

The question that had been circling her mind all afternoon returned once more: What should she do about Eli?

Not long after, the front door opened.

Lydia’s laughter rang out first, followed by Felicia’s.

“Looks like we’re the first ones back today!” Lydia called cheerfully as she slipped off her blazer. A housemaid hurried over to take her things and carry them upstairs to her room.

Felicia followed close behind Lydia. She looked exhausted, but her smile widened the moment she stepped into the kitchen. “That meeting lasted nearly three hours. I deserve a proper dinner. And what are you up to, Grace?”

Grace immediately scampered toward them. “We made pudding!”

“Really?” Felicia bent down and wrapped Grace in a quick hug. “Then I should be the first to taste it.”

Grace handed her a small spoonful. Felicia accepted it with exaggerated excitement, her eyes lighting up as she tasted it. “Oh wow… I can’t wait until it’s fully set. Did you make the vanilla sauce too?”

“Eli’s making it,” Grace replied proudly.

Eli straightened slightly as the adults chatted around her. A small smile rested on her lips. She answered every question directed at her without awkwardness or hesitation. Truly, she felt lucky-lucky to be part of this simple, joyful moment before dinner.

A few minutes later, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by overlapping greetings from the staff in the living room.

Riana glanced toward the doorway. “That must be them.”

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