HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 81

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**
**Chapter 81**

“Why is this taking so long?” Daven grumbled under his breath, casting yet another glance at the gleaming Rolex adorning his left wrist. It felt like he had checked the time a hundred times already, each tick of the second hand amplifying his growing frustration. Today was the day Rio had promised to provide the crucial information he had been eagerly awaiting. Daven’s impatience was palpable, his thoughts racing as he envisioned the details he needed. He wasn’t interested in a phone call; he craved something tangible, something he could hold onto—solid proof that would leave no room for doubt.

As he waited for Rio’s update, Daven found it nearly impossible to concentrate on the mountain of work before him. His mind kept drifting back to SunCity, that vivid place filled with memories he couldn’t shake. And if he was being completely honest with himself, he couldn’t stop thinking about that child.

Josh.

That innocent, earnest little face had somehow carved out a permanent niche in his thoughts, refusing to fade away. Alongside Josh’s image, the face of his ex-wife lingered just as insistently. No matter how many years had passed, he could still conjure her likeness in his mind with startling clarity.

Perhaps it was the brevity of their time together that made the memories so vivid… yet they had left an indelible mark on his heart. Maybe that was the reason why forgetting Althea had always been an uphill battle.

“Mr. Daven,” a soft voice broke through his reverie. It was Arsen, his assistant, standing patiently by his side. “Mr. Liam needs your approval on the financial planning. You can review the breakdown here.”

Arsen handed over a few sheets of paper, though the same figures were already displayed on the expansive screen at the front of the room.

But Daven barely registered the documents. Arsen could sense that Daven’s mind was miles away, a fact that had become all too common over the past couple of weeks.

“Right,” Daven muttered, adjusting his posture in an attempt to shake off the fog that clouded his mind.

The conference room buzzed with animated discussions, the air thick with the energy of sharp debates. A series of monitors illuminated the space, showcasing charts, projections, and supporting data that flickered in and out of focus. Stacks of documents lay open before each executive seated around the long table, their brows furrowed in concentration.

Daven occupied the head of the table, his fingers digging into his temples as he struggled to anchor his scattered thoughts. Outwardly, he maintained a facade of composure, but internally, he was wrestling to remain present. He couldn’t afford to let this distraction continue.

He forced himself to process the risks and opportunities that Liam Smith-Callister Corp’s finance manager had just laid out.

“In conclusion, we’re set to begin final-stage production within the next two weeks,” one of the project consultants declared, his voice steady. “The team in Frankfurt has confirmed that both facilities and labor are ready. What’s your take on this, Mr. Daven?”

“That’s good news. After such a prolonged delay, they’ve finally approved our proposal,” Daven responded, his gaze sweeping across the table, locking eyes briefly with each division head.

“Make sure the transition from audit to execution is seamless. No delays, and absolutely no shipment errors. I want triple checks on that. If anything goes wrong, the additional costs could severely impact our margins.”

A project director nodded earnestly. “We’ll ensure that, Mr. Daven. We’re also scheduled to start final feasibility testing in three days. Would you like to be on-site in Frankfurt, Mr. Callister?”

Daven gave a curt nod. “Yes. Arsen will arrange my schedule.”

As the meeting wrapped up and people began gathering their belongings, Arsen was already positioned near the door, clearly waiting for Daven.

“Mr. Daven,” Arsen stepped forward, extending his phone toward him. The screen illuminated with an incoming call from Vanessa. Daven dismissed it instantly.

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