HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 431

Chapter 431

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Eli took the last few sips of her drink just as Riana glanced at the watch on her wrist. The movement was subtle, but it was enough to signal that their meeting had gone on for quite a while.

“Is there anything else you’d like, Eli?” Riana asked.

Eli dabbed at her slightly damp lips with a napkin. “Nothing, Grandma. Thank you for lunch.”

“Of course.” Riana smiled gently. “I think we should wrap this up.” Her tone softened even more. “I don’t want to keep you out for too long.”

Eli straightened instinctively, caught off guard by how suddenly it was ending. There were still so many things she wanted to say-questions she hadn’t dared voice yet. Would she and Selena be allowed to stay at the main Miller house? She still hadn’t received a clear answer, or even acknowledgment of that unspoken hope. But there was nothing she could do.

A flicker of disappointment crossed her face before she quickly hid it. “Oh… of course, Grandma. I don’t want to be a bother. I’m sure you still have many things to attend to.”

Josh stood up first, pushing his chair back slightly. The scraping sound against the floor was sharper than necessary. “I’ll go to the counter,” he said shortly, his voice flat as usual, betraying no emotion.

Deliberately so. He could have simply called a waiter and asked for the bill, but this time Josh chose to give Riana and Eli some space. Besides, he’d already heard more than enough-and he didn’t want to hear anything else.

Riana watched Josh walk away before turning back to Eli. “I’m glad I got to meet you.”

“So am I,” Eli replied quickly. “Truly. And I hope… I can see you again.”

“Anytime you’d like, just let me know,” Riana said with a small smile. “I’ll adjust my schedule.” Then she added casually, “And… you haven’t forgotten that Josh has a match coming up soon, have you?”

“Of course not. How could I forget?” Eli’s smile widened.

“I’m planning to attend,” Riana continued. “If you’d like, you can come with me.”

There was a brief pause before Eli’s face lit up completely. “I can come and watch the match too?”

“Of course,” Riana replied without hesitation. “There’s no reason you shouldn’t.”

“Thank you, Grandma,” Eli said, her voice trembling slightly. “I—I’m really happy. And I hope Josh won’t mind if I watch it with you.”

((

Josh returned with his usual unhurried steps, having unintentionally caught the tail end of their conversation. Why would I mind?” he said, pulling out his chair and sitting down calmly. “What were you talking about while I was gone?”

Riana chuckled. “Oh my,” she said, reaching out to ruffle Josh’s hair affectionately. “My grandson has gotten quite good at being suspicious, hasn’t he?”

Josh frowned.

Watching the exchange, Eli felt a dull ache spread through her chest. For a moment, she wished she could trade

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Chapter 431

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places with Josh. What did it feel like-to receive that kind of affection from a grandmother? Was it really that warm, that comforting?

But still… Eli was grateful that, little by little, she was able to grow closer to Riana. If she truly was Chase’s biological daughter, then one day, wouldn’t she also be able to receive the affection and love Riana had to give? She just needed to be patient, didn’t she?

“Grandma asked me to go with her to watch you compete, Josh,” Eli said carefully. “You… don’t mind, do you?”

“Do you even like matches like that?” Josh glanced at her with clear disinterest.

Eli nodded quickly. “I don’t really understand the technical side, but I like watching them.”

“Then don’t expect me to be friendly on the field,” Josh said flatly. “I’m there to compete.”

Eli smiled faintly. “That’s okay.”

They stood. Riana reached for her bag, then briefly took Eli’s hand-a short touch, but warm enough to linger. Until we meet again.”

“Until we meet again, Grandma. Josh,” Eli said, bowing politely.

Josh gave a short nod in return.

Outside the restaurant, the late afternoon breeze brushed softly against their skin. Riana and Josh headed toward the lobby first. A sleek black car was already waiting for them, and the moment they stepped out of the restaurant area, it pulled away smoothly. Eli lingered for a moment at the lobby entrance, watching the car disappear-two figures bound together by familiarity and warmth.

”

Not long after, another car stopped a short distance away. The rear passenger door opened, and the woman Eli called “Mother” was already seated inside, calm and composed, oversized dark sunglasses shielding her eyes as if preserving her authority.

“Well?” she asked without preamble as Eli slid in beside her. “What did you talk about?”

Eli let out a small breath. “We had lunch together. Talked about school. Some of my achievements. Just… everyday things.”

Selena narrowed her eyes. “Nothing else?”

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