Chapter 123
In Chapter 123 of “Shadows of the Past,” Daven learns from Rio that Miss Althea and Mr. Chase are planning to get engaged shortly after her son Josh’s birthday. Daven is consumed with worry over his mother’s declining health, which has prompted his return to Mighatan. Amidst this turmoil, he grapples with the possibility that Josh might be his biological son, leading him to consider re-establishing a connection with Althea. The thought of her moving on with another man stirs feelings of jealousy and obsession within him, as he reflects on their past love.
As Daven contemplates his emotions, he receives news from Arsen about his mother’s health. She is stable and cleared to return home, which brings him a sense of relief. However, Daven is also frustrated with the media attention surrounding his family, particularly the actions of Vanessa, who seems to disregard his warnings. Despite this, he remains focused on his responsibilities, scheduling meetings with legal teams and strategizing about business matters, indicating that he is still determined to maintain control over his life and those around him.
The chapter concludes with Daven’s cunning nature surfacing as he learns about a potential project linked to Mayor Harold. His ambition and desire for power are evident as he plans to return to SunCity and prepare gifts for influential figures, showcasing his strategic mindset. Daven’s internal conflicts regarding love, family, and ambition intertwine, setting the stage for further developments in his relationships and personal goals.
**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke p>
**Chapter 123 p>
“The most recent information I have is that Miss Althea and Mr. Chase are planning to get engaged in just three months,” Rio announced, casually flipping open the final file he had placed on Daven’s desk. “It’s set for the day after her son Josh’s birthday p>
Daven had been thrust into a whirlwind of worry ever since he had made the hasty decision to return to Mighatan, compelled by the alarming decline in his mother’s health. In the midst of this chaos, Rio had been assigned a critical task: to keep a vigilant eye on Josh and, if the situation allowed, to forge a connection with him. It was no small feat, but when Daven had requested it, how could Rio possibly say no?
“This kid’s really growing up fast, huh?” Daven murmured, his mind only half engaged with Rio’s words. His gaze was fixated on the photographs Rio had captured—images of Josh outside, surrounded by his friends, diligently tending to a small garden that lay just beyond the school grounds. The setting was open enough for Rio to observe without raising any suspicions.
The children were under the watchful eyes of their teachers, yet such activities provided Rio with the perfect opportunity to snap pictures without drawing attention to himself.
“I think… being raised in a secure and tranquil environment really contributes to a child’s healthy development,” Rio added thoughtfully, his voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re absolutely right,” Daven replied, a hint of a smile gracing his lips. “Keep an eye on them, and inform me the moment anything noteworthy occurs p>
“I just informed you about Miss Althea and Mr. Chase’s engagement. Isn’t that… already something noteworthy?” Rio pointed out, a teasing lilt in his tone.
Daven chuckled softly. “You have a valid point. That is indeed news. But what do you expect me to do about it? I can’t exactly act like some jilted ex, unable to bear the sight of her happiness p>
Unless… Josh is my biological son, he thought silently, the revelation hanging heavily in his mind.
If Daven could somehow establish that connection, he wouldn’t hesitate to pull Althea back into his life—into his home. With Josh. He wanted to ensure their safety and closeness. He wouldn’t allow either of them to exist outside his grasp. Some might label it obsession. Let them. He didn’t care about their judgments.
“Well then, if you’ll excuse me… Josh has a field trip to the fire station in two days. You wouldn’t want me to miss that, would you?” Rio said, breaking the weighty silence that had settled between them.
Daven gave a slight nod, dismissing Rio with a casual wave of his hand.
His attention was drawn back to the scattered photographs on his desk, each one demanding his focus. Rio’s report had struck a nerve. Chase Miller—was he truly Althea’s type? Had she genuinely fallen for that man?
Daven remembered the depth of Althea’s love for him. It was impossible to fake the way she used to gaze at him, her eyes filled with warmth and affection.
Even if… the last time they had met, her expression had been nothing short of irritation and anger. Certainly not love.
But Daven wasn’t ready to accept that their love had simply evaporated into thin air. No way. Not Althea.
A sudden, firm knock on his office door jolted him from his thoughts.
“Come in,” he called out, gathering the documents Rio had left behind in a hurried manner.
Arsen burst through the door, urgency radiating from him with every step he took, as though the information he carried was too pressing to wait another moment.
There were two critical updates that Arsen needed to convey immediately. The first was—
“How’s my mother?” Daven asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Arsen cleared his throat, a brief pause hanging in the air. Daven was right; this was one of the updates he had been anxiously awaiting.
“Mrs. Kate Callister has been cleared to return home today. Her condition is now very stable. I’ve arranged for several staff members to assist her during her recovery. With the support of Miss Kalina and Miss Felicia, I’m confident she’ll regain her strength in no time,” he reported, a hint of relief in his tone.
Daven let out a quiet breath, nodding appreciatively. “Schedule a visit to the house. I need to make sure I greet my mother properly p>
“Yes, Mr. Daven.” Arsen promptly pulled out his work tablet, handing it over to Daven, revealing a series of news articles that had surfaced after reporters were intentionally invited to the hospital.
There was no longer any mention of Kate Callister’s condition, but the media frenzy still irked Daven.
“That woman really can’t help herself,” he muttered under his breath, frustration creeping into his voice.
It was evident that he had moved beyond caring about what Vanessa was up to. He had already given her enough warnings. If she were a mature woman, capable of rational thought and understanding her place, she would have heeded his words.
Unfortunately… Vanessa’s pride wouldn’t allow her to simply submit to him.
“Let it go. I’m done wasting my energy on her.” Daven’s gaze sharpened, his focus returning to the matter at hand. “Have you confirmed the meeting with the legal team p>
“Yes, Mr. Daven,” Arsen replied promptly.
“Inform them that I want the meeting scheduled in three days p>
Arsen blinked, taken aback. “But… in three days, you’re set to attend the Blake family dinner to celebrate Mrs. Kate’s recovery p>
“Yes, that’s correct. So what’s the issue?” Daven questioned, his tone firm.
Arsen merely shook his head, unable to comprehend the situation.
“Just follow my instructions, Arsen. And ensure that everything is executed flawlessly p>
“Yes, Mr. Daven,” Arsen affirmed.
Daven held him with a long, piercing stare. “Still no updates from Chris Miller’s side p>
Arsen’s eyes widened slightly, and he stammered, “Oh—my apologies.” He quickly navigated his tablet. “Actually, there is, Mr. Daven. They responded to the email I sent earlier. Mr. Miller has just returned from overseas. He’s available for a meeting in one week, and he included an offer as well p>
He handed the tablet to Daven, displaying Chris’s reply along with…
“Isn’t this the project Mayor Harold offered us?” Daven inquired, a sly smile creeping onto his face. “That means… Harold is truly playing his cards quite cleverly p>
A wicked grin tugged at the corners of his lips.
“In that case, ensure we return to SunCity as soon as everything here is wrapped up p>
“Yes, Mr. Daven p>
“And prepare an exquisite gift for Harold,” Daven added, leaning back against the sofa with deliberate ease. “Oh—and we can’t possibly forget Chris Miller’s generosity, can we p>
In the wake of Daven’s tumultuous thoughts and the revelations that have surfaced, a sense of clarity begins to take hold. The weight of his past with Althea looms large, yet the prospect of rekindling their connection stirs a flicker of hope within him. As he grapples with the possibility that Josh might be his son, Daven’s determination solidifies. He is no longer just a man haunted by memories; he is a man resolved to reclaim his family, to ensure that neither Althea nor Josh exists beyond his reach. The chaos surrounding his mother’s health and the impending engagement of Althea only serve to fuel his obsession, igniting a fierce desire to protect what he believes is rightfully his.
As he prepares to navigate the complexities of his relationships, Daven’s emotional arc comes full circle. He realizes that while the past may cast long shadows over his present, it is his actions moving forward that will define their future. The challenges ahead are daunting, but with his mother recovering and a renewed sense of purpose guiding him, Daven is ready to confront the obstacles in his path. His resolve to secure a place in Althea’s life and to embrace the role of a father to Josh crystallizes into a singular mission: to weave together the fragmented threads of their lives into a tapestry of love and belonging. In this moment of clarity, Daven understands that the shadows of the past may linger, but they do not have to dictate his future.
In the upcoming chapter, anticipation builds as Daven grapples with the implications of Althea’s impending engagement to Mr. Chase. The revelation that Josh might be his biological son looms over him like a dark cloud, pushing him to confront the complexity of his past decisions. As he prepares to visit his mother, recently cleared for home, the tension between his personal life and the pressing business matters intensifies. The stakes are higher than ever, and Daven must navigate the treacherous waters of familial ties, unresolved feelings, and the potential upheaval that could arise from the truth about Josh.
Moreover, with Arsen’s mention of Chris Miller’s offer and the strategic game being played with Mayor Harold, Daven finds himself at a crossroads. Will he prioritize his personal desires over his professional ambitions? The upcoming meeting with Chris, coupled with the unexpected twists from the Blake family dinner, promises to unravel secrets that could change everything. As Daven’s plans unfold, readers can expect a thrilling mix of emotional confrontations and strategic maneuvering, leaving them on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how Daven will reclaim the fragments of his past while securing his future.
Lucia Morh
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.