All Chapters of EX-HUSBAND’S REGRET(The Wife He Discarded): Chapter 161 - Chapter 170

I looked at Hayes without blinking.“But you all went together.”Hayes rested his forearms on the table. For a long moment, he didn’t speak.Almost as if he was deciding how much of it I deserved to know.Hayes was quiet for a moment before he finally spoke.“When we left your office, Dominic took us to where he was keeping John.”I looked at him without saying a word.“We tried talking to him first. We wanted him to expose Silas’ involvement, but he refused.”Hayes picked up his glass and took a sip before continuing.“He kept saying there was no point. If he talked, he’d still end up in prison. He believed Silas would find a way to get him out of it. He said he’d never rat on him.”He shook his head.“So Dominic did something none of us expected.”My brows slowly drew together.“He made a video call and handed the phone to John.”I frowned.“A video call?”Hayes nodded.“Dominic had already found John’s wife and daughter.”“He’d sent his own men to their house to keep an eye on them

I gave myself one last look in the mirror.The makeup artist stepped closer, gently brushing away a strand of hair that had escaped behind my ear before taking a small brush to the inner corner of my eyes.“There.”She smiled at my reflection.“Perfect.”I held her gaze through the mirror for a second before slowly standing.The gown settled around me with the quiet sound of crystals brushing against one another.It was one of my favorite designs from the collection.Thousands of hand-set silver crystals flowed over a sheer silhouette, catching every movement without overwhelming it. The sculpted bodice framed my shoulders while the low-waisted skirt draped effortlessly along my hips before falling into a fluid column that shimmered like liquid light. Every step sent tiny flashes across the fabric, as though I’d wrapped myself in scattered stars.It wasn’t loud.It didn’t need to be.It demanded attention simply by existing.A pair of diamond earrings rested against my neck, matching

The word left my mouth before I could stop it.Reed looked from me to Hayes, then Ford, then Pierce.A slow smile spread across his face.“Well…” he said, amused. “This explains the cold shoulder.”Ford frowned.“What explains the cold shoulder?”Reed looked back at me.“I kept wondering why a woman would drink expensive whiskey as it had personally offended her… then leave me standing there holding a dry wipe.”His eyes briefly swept around the hall.“Turns out she had one of the best-selling brands.”Pierce blinked.“Hold on…”His eyes moved between us.“You two know each other?”“Not really,” I said.A chuckle escaped Reed.“Well.”He looked at Pierce.“We met a couple of nights ago.”Pierce folded his arms.“Where?”“Private bar.”Ford’s eyebrows lifted.Heat slowly crept into my face.Reed continued before I could stop him.“She ordered one of the strongest, most expensive whiskeys on the shelf.”Ford nodded approvingly.“Good taste.”“Terrible judgment.”Ford laughed.Reed smile

She walked with me toward the private exit where my driver was already waiting.The evening air felt cooler than it had this morning.London was settling into night.The driver immediately opened the rear door.“Good evening, Ma’am.”“Evening.”The moment I sat down, every muscle in my body seemed to realize how exhausted it was.The car pulled away quietly.Streetlights passed one after another outside the window.By the time we reached the mansion, I was already feeling sleepy.The smell of food greeted me before I even reached the dining room.Ford looked up first.“Oreo is home!”Leo immediately abandoned whatever story Pierce had apparently been telling him.“Mummy!”He jumped off his chair and ran toward me.I bent down just in time to catch him.His tiny arms wrapped tightly around my neck.“Careful,” I laughed.“You’ll knock me over.”“I missed you.”“I missed you too.”I kissed his forehead before setting him back down.Everyone was already seated.Camille looked completely d

Hours later…The after-party had transformed one of the exhibition halls into something warmer.Live jazz drifted softly through the room.Champagne flowed freely.Fashion conversations filled every corner.I found myself standing beside Hayes, Ford, Pierce and Reed.Yes Reed.Pierce had invited him for the finale.Crystal glasses clinked gently together.“You survived your first Fashion Week.”Ford lifted his drink toward me.“I’d say more than survived.”Pierce laughed.“You practically conquered it.”Hayes looked around the crowded room.“I’ve lost count of how many people have congratulated you.”“I’ve lost count too.”He smiled faintly.“Sometimes they praise you, sometimes they talk badly about you, and sometimes they congratulate you. People are never on your side every time. You should get used to that.”“I don’t think I ever will.”“You will.”He looked around the room.“They’re already treating you differently.”“They’re treating your brand differently.”I followed his gaze.