All Chapters of His Regret Began When She Let Go: Chapter 61 - Chapter 70

The boardroom doors opened and the conversations quieted as Rachel entered first, her expression composed into something colder than usual. Behind her, Marissa walked in. The black maternity dress clung tightly to the pronounced curve of her abdomen. She did not look fragile; a big smile was planted in her lips.Elara, seated halfway down the table, froze. Williams, standing near the wall with his tablet, glanced from Rachel to Marissa and immediately understood this was not routine.Why was Marissa behind her?Rachel reached the head of the table and turned. “Good morning,” she said.No one replied, all eyes resting curiously on Marissa. Her gaze swept across directors, curators, legal advisors—then rested briefly on Elara.“We have a structural announcement.”Elara’s jaw tightened. “What kind of announcement?”Rachel did not answer her directly.“Effective immediately, Marissa Moore, Bryce's fiancee, will assume the role of Operational Manager of the Resin Gallery.”Silence detona

Midday light filtered through the high glass panels, reflecting off polished floors. Rachel stood in her office reviewing inventory reports when Williams knocked lightly.“Mrs. Morello,” he said, stepping in. “Your husband is here.”Her head lifted slowly. “Dominic?”“Yes.”She closed the file. “Send him in.”Dominic entered moments later, composed as always. Dark suit, controlled posture but something in his eyes was sharper.“You didn’t tell me you were coming,”she said evenly.“I didn’t think I needed an appointment.”“You don’t.”He glanced around the office, taking in every detail. “You’ve increased security,” he observed.“It's a precaution.”“For what?”“For everything.”His gaze returned to her. “May we speak privately?”She nodded toward the door, gesturing to Williams to leave. Williams stepped out and closed the door.Dominic moved deeper into the office instead of sitting. “You’ve been distracted lately,” he said.“I’ve been busy.”“With Alaric? With Bryce? Or Marissa?”

Rachel had been reviewing some export documents when her phone lit up with Smithfield's name. For a moment she stared at it, jaw tightening, pulse steady but heavy. She had almost let it ring out.She answered. “Hello?”“I need to see you,” Smithfield said, voice calm, “In person.”“I don’t take invitations from you,” she replied.“This isn’t an invitation. It’s a courtesy, dearest daughter.”He named the restaurant and ended the call without waiting for agreement. Rachel sat still for several seconds before rising. If he wanted theatrics, she would give him composure.The restaurant stood on a quiet corner, elegant and discreet. When she stepped inside, she immediately sensed something unusual. The usual lunchtime hum was absent. No clinking of glasses, no muted conversations.A hostess approached her with stiff politeness. “Ms. Morello. This way.”The dining area was empty and completely private. Rachel’s heels clicked against marble flooring as she followed the hostess toward the b

Dominic didn’t move. His gaze remained fixed on the floor for only a second longer before something else overtook it. It wasn't relief nor satisfaction.It was a decision.He shifted his attention back to Rachel. Whatever he had found could wait. Or perhaps it couldn’t — but in that moment, it no longer held priority.Rachel searched his face. “What did you see?”He didn’t answer. Instead, his hand came to her jaw again — slower this time. Intentional.“Dominic…”His thumb brushed just beneath her ear, tracing down to her neck. The gesture wasn’t careless—It was measured. But his control was fraying.“You don’t know what you’re doing to me,” he said quietly.Her pulse reacted before her mind did. “Then tell me to stop,” she replied.He didn’t. The space between them disappeared. This time the kiss was not accidental. It wasn’t hesitant. It was deliberate.Dominic closed the distance fully, his mouth capturing hers with a restraint that lasted only a second before it deepened. Rachel

Rachel felt guilty immediately. It struck the moment the words left her mouth. Never meddle in anyone’s affairs.She had thrown the contract rules at him like a shield.Dominic stood still for a long second after speaking. “Rachel… if we lived by the contract rules… we would have broken apart by now.”The weight of those words pressed into her chest. He didn’t look angry at least, it would be have been better. He looked tired. Tired in a way she hadn’t seen before.The document remained in his hand, but his grip had loosened. The sharp edge in his posture had softened into something more distant. She took a small step toward him.“Dominic… I didn’t mean—” He turned away. “Leave me alone.” The words were quiet but final.She swallowed. “I was just trying to—”“Just leave.”He walked toward the desk and placed the document down with deliberate care, as if even the sound of paper against wood required discipline.Rachel stood frozen. “I shouldn’t have said that,” she admitted softly.He