Ex-husband wants me back novel

Chapter 216 Meanwhile , in Chase's office . Althea sat with her hands wrapped around her coffee cup . That restless feeling had been gnawing at her all morning , no matter how hard she tried to push it away . " Where will you be picking Josh up ? " Chase asked , his voice deliberately gentle . He knew exactly why she was like this . When it came to her own problems , Althea always handled them with calm resolve . But when it involved Josh , her composure slipped . She grew restless , worried - and that was only natural . A mother's instinct , perhaps .

" TimeOne SunCity Plaza , " Althea replied with a long sigh . " Right now , Daven's there with him . They had lunch together after playing . " Chase shifted his chair closer until he was beside her , his hand sliding over hers in a quiet show of support . He wanted her to feel that he was never far , that he was always here , backing her decisions . Even this one : giving Daven permission to spend time with Josh . " I'm certain Mr. Callister won't cross the boundaries you've set , love . " Althea closed her eyes for a moment before meeting his gaze . " Even so , I can't help but worry .

" " If he does , won't he be the one paying the highest price ? You don't need to fear he'll drag you into some legal battle . And if he tries , I won't hesitate to humiliate him publicly . " His words pulled a small smile from her lips . " Thank you for that , Chase . Honestly , if you weren't here beside me , I don't know what I'd do . " Their hands tightened together , a quiet exchange of strength - until the shrill ring of Chase's phone cut through the moment . The name Adrian flashed across the screen . Chase answered immediately , flicking on the speaker so Althea could hear too .

" Adrian , " he said evenly . " Sir , I've just come out of court . The legal proceedings involving Vanessa Blake are going smoothly , but ... " Althea instinctively straightened , focusing all her attention on Adrian's report . " Is there a problem ? " Chase asked , calm but sharp with vigilance . " Exactly as we suspected , " Adrian replied . " Miss Vanessa is deflecting , blaming circumstances , even trying to accuse others . But the evidence we've built is far too strong . The judge isn't giving her much room to argue . " Althea swallowed hard .

" You can still handle it , right , Adrian ? " " Of course , Miss Althea . We've kept relentless pressure on their side throughout the trial . Many points were raised , but nothing strayed from facts grounded . The final hearing before the verdict is scheduled for next week , and you're required to attend as the plaintiff in this case , " Althea let out a long breath , her face clouded with thought . " Is that really necessary ? " 1/2 " Yes , Miss Althea . This will be the pivotal moment in your case . Your testimony will strengthen our position .

Especially with the press - since day one , they've covered every detail of this trial . The headlines out there are . everywhere . " Chase folded his arms across his chest ; his eyes fixed on the phone lying on his desk . " And what about those headlines ? " " It's still the talk of the city , sir . Every day , there's a new article about Vanessa . Including her divorce trial with Mr. Callister . The losses on her side are immense - contracts canceled because of this scandal , agencies dropping her for multiple violations , and not to mention the Blake family business .

Even her father , Theo Blake , hasn't escaped scrutiny . His role in government is now being picked apart piece by piece . " Althea pressed a hand to her mouth , trying to steady the storm of emotions rising inside her . Adrian continued , " This could be the hardest blow they've ever faced . But we still need to tread carefully until it's over . We can't afford to get complacent - we never know what desperate move they might try . " " You're right , Adrian . " Chase's lips curved in a faint , controlled smile . " Thank you for the report . Keep moving forward as planned . " " Yes , sir .

" The call ended . " So ... " Chase turned back to Althea . " You'll be preparing to head to Mighatan , won't you ? " admin