Ex-husband wants me back novel

Chapter 519 The atmosphere in the right-wing pavilion was noticeably calmer than in the main house. Felicia stood near the large window, arms crossed over her chest, pacing back and forth without pause. Every few seconds, she shook her head, her irritation impossible to hide. Unlike Felicia, Althea headed straight to the kitchen to prepare some lemon tea. She was certain it wouldn't be long before Nathan and Riana joined them there. "I really don't understand," Felicia muttered.

"How could they allow a woman like Selena into this house?" Althea set a tray down on the table, carrying a large teapot filled with lemon tea. She followed it with several cups so anyone could easily help themselves, then added a plate piled high with slices of cake. Once everything felt sufficient, she sank into the sofa, leaning back comfortably. Her face showed signs of fatigue, yet her eyes remained calm. "I'm sure they never make decisions without a reason, Felicia," she said softly. "All we need to do is trust them." Felicia finally stopped pacing.

"What kind of reason could possibly justify letting someone disrupt the peace of their own home?" Althea shrugged and drew a slow breath. "I believe they have their own considerations when it comes to Selena. Mom isn't someone who's easily swayed." Felicia let out a quiet scoff. "I know that-but still. That woman clearly brings trouble. Just the way she talks says enough about her intentions." Althea lowered her gaze for a moment; fingers loosely intertwined on her lap. Eli's expression at the dinner table flashed through her mind.

"Strangely enough, I'm more worried about Eli than Selena," she said quietly. "That girl is trapped in a situation she never chose." Felicia studied Althea closely. "Why aren't you suspicious of the child too? Who knows-she might have her own agenda behind that innocent face. You always see the good in people, Althea, without considering what might be hidden underneath." "That's not it," Althea replied. "I just have a feeling Eli isn't involved in whatever this is." Footsteps approached from the pavilion entrance.

Chris and Cale walked in together, their expressions serious, as if carrying important news. But the moment they noticed the spread of snacks, their faces visibly brightened. "You brought all this, Feli?" Chris asked casually, already reaching for a slice of cake. "I haven't had something this sweet in ages." Cale clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Didn't you just have dinner?" "Dinner with an atmosphere like that only gives me a stomachache," Chris replied as he sat across from Althea.

"At least this fills me up." "That woman really does enjoy stirring up trouble," Chris added bluntly, 1/3 Felicia turned her gaze to Cale. "So it's not just tonight?" "Since the moment she arrived," Chris cut in, chewing again. "A real test of patience for everyone in this house." Cale let out a short breath. "All of this is part of the plan." Felicia looked at him sharply, curiosity flaring. "Whose plan?" "Mom and Dad's," Cale answered firmly. "They want to see how far Selena is willing to go." Althea lifted her head. "So they deliberately allowed her into the family?" Chris nodded.

"They want to measure her intentions. If Selena has a hidden agenda, sooner or later, she'll reveal it." Felicia shook her head slowly. "Doesn't that approach risky?" Cale turned his attention to Althea. "That's why I asked you to be patient. Don't let your emotions get the better of you. If Selena strikes-respond but do it wisely." Althea fell silent for a few seconds before answering. "I don't intend to start a conflict." "And you don't have to," Cale replied. "But don't let her take control of the situation.

She needs to know her place in this house." Felicia sat back down, her breathing noticeably calmer now. "I just don't like seeing this family being played with." She paused, then added, "Oh-have I told you there was someone snooping around Daven's house on Street Alley?" That house was where Althea and her family had been living all this time. It wasn't far from the Miller residence, but for now it had been left empty as the situation worsened. Nathan and Riana didn't want Althea to face everything on her own.

Besides, the right-wing pavilion was a space Althea was free to use-intentionally so. A reflection of just how deeply Nathan and Riana cared for her. "What?" Chris looked at Felicia intently. "Are you sure?" Felicia rolled her eyes in irritation. "I got a report from the head of security at Daven's house. A while ago, someone showed up there acting suspicious." "Is there any further update?" Althea asked, tension clear on her face. "If this is the person you're talking about..." Cale pulled out his phone and showed them several clips of the suspicious individual.

"Security already detained him. I asked for a full report before coming here. I didn't think you knew about this, Felicia." "Am I not allowed to know?" Felicia narrowed her eyes suspiciously, folding her arms across her chest. "That's not what I meant," Cale said with a faint smile. "I just asked a lot of people to keep it quiet. Things are bad enough as they are-we can't afford distractions." Chris frowned. "Was he carrying a weapon?" 2/3 admin