My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 23

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23 A Daughter’s Heartbreak, A Mother’s Resolve

23 A Daughter’s Heartbreak, A Mother’s Resolve

Marcus Cole watched with furrowed brows as Elara Vance handed over a thick folder

to Olivia Monroe. The two women stood by Elara’s former desk, now cleared of all personal items.

“These are all the major files you’ll need,” Elarà explained, pointing to color-coded tabs. “I’ve highlighted the priority projects in red.”

Olivia accepted the folder with a nervous smile. “Thank you for being so helpful with the transition. I wasn’t expecting…”

“For me to make it easy?” Elara finished with a slight smile.

Marcus couldn’t help himself. He approached them, coffee in hand, curious about this peculiar dynamic.

“Most people would fight tooth and nail to keep your position,” he remarked, studying Elara’s calm demeanor. “Yet here you are, practically gifting your replacement with your hard-earned knowledge.”

Elara met his gaze steadily. “I’ve made my decision, Marcus. There’s no point in making things difficult for everyone else.”

Olivia glanced between them. “I’m grateful, regardless. Would you like to have dinner sometime? I’d love to pick your brain about some of these accounts.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m fully booked these days,” Elara replied, checking her watch. “I should go. My research awaits.”

Marcus watched her walk away, her shoulders straight, her steps purposeful. He turned to Olivia. “I’ve known Elara for years and never seen her like this.”

“Like what?” Olivia asked.

“Free,” he answered simply.

Elara settled at her desk in her home office, preparing to dive into her AI research

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23 A Daughter’s Heartbreak, A Mother’s Resolve

when her phone rang. Cora’s name flashed on the screen. She answered immediately.

“Hello, sweetheart.”

“Mom, can you come make dinner tonight?” Cora’s voice was demanding yet hopeful. “Mr. Finch made pasta again, and I want your special chicken.”

Elara closed her eyes briefly. In the past, she would have dropped everything for such

a request.

“I’m sorry, Coco. I can’t tonight. I’m working on something important.”

Silence stretched between them. Then came Cora’s confused voice, “But you always

come when I ask.”

“I know, but things are different now. I’ll make it for you next time you visit me.”

“But I want it tonight!” Cora’s voice rose. “What’s more important than me?”

The accusation stung, but Elara remained firm. “Nothing is more important than you, Cora. But I have responsibilities I need to attend to.”

“You’re just being mean!” Cora shouted before the line went dead.

Elara stared at her phone, feeling the weight of her daughter’s disappointment. She almost called back, almost gave in. Instead, she sent a text: “I love you, Coco. We’ll talk

tomorrow.”

She set the phone aside and turned her attention to her computer screen, but Cora’s wounded voice echoed in her mind. Minutes later, her phone pinged with a message

from Julian Croft.

“Attending the Northridge Tech Summit tomorrow? Several investors specifically asked if you’ll be there.”

Elara hesitated only briefly before replying, “Count me in.”

Cora Thorne threw her phone across her bedroom, tears streaming down her face.

“She doesn’t love me anymore!” she wailed, collapsing dramatically onto her bed.

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23 A Daughter’s Heartbreak, A Mother’s Resolve

Mr. Finch, the housekeeper, stood in the doorway, alarmed by the outburst. “Miss Cora, please calm down. Your mother loves you very much.”

“No, she doesn’t!” Cora sobbed. “She used to do anything I asked. Now she says she’s too busy!”

Mr. Finch approached cautiously. “Perhaps she truly has important work tonight. Shall we call her back?”

“No! I hate her!” Cora buried her face in her pillow. “I won’t eat until she comes and

makes me dinner!”

Mr. Finch sighed. “Your father won’t be pleased if you skip dinner again.”

“I don’t care! Call Daddy and tell him Mom is being mean to me.”

The housekeeper recognized the growing tantrum and nodded. “I’ll call Mr. Thorne. In the meantime, why don’t you wash your face and come downstairs when you’re ready?”

Cora just sobbed harder, clutching her pillow.

Mr. Finch quietly left the room, concerned about the increasingly frequent emotional outbursts from the child since Mrs. Thorne’s departure. He dialed his employer’s number, bracing himself for the conversation.

Damien Thorne stood in a crowded ballroom, champagne flute in hand, half-listening to an investor’s animated spiel about emerging markets. His phone vibrated in his pocket. Seeing Mr. Finch’s name, he excused himself and stepped away.

“What is it?” he asked without preamble.

“I apologize for disturbing you, sir,” Mr. Finch said. “But Miss Cora is quite upset. She asked Mrs. Thorne to come make dinner, but Mrs. Thorne declined. Now Miss Cora refuses to eat anything.”

Damien pinched the bridge of his nose. “Put her on the phone.”

Moments later, Cora’s tear-filled voice came through. “Daddy, Mom doesn’t love me

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23 A Daughter’s Heartbreak, A Mother’s Resolve

anymore! She won’t come when I need her!”

“Cora,” Damien’s voice was firm but gentle. “Your mother is busy tonight. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you.”

“But she always came before! Always!” Cora hiccupped between sobs.

Damien considered his next words carefully. “Things are different now. Your mother has her own work, just like I do.”

“Cancel it!” Cora demanded. “Tell her to cancel like she used to when you needed her!”

The words hit Damien oddly. Had Elara really been canceling her own commitments whenever he needed something? He pushed the thought aside.

“Coco,” he used her nickname strategically, “if you eat your dinner tonight, we’ll go to that theme park you like this weekend. Just you and me.”

The sobbing paused. “Really? The one with the big roller coasters?”

“Yes. But only if you stop this tantrum and eat your dinner.”

“Can we go on all the rides? Even the scary ones?”

“All of them,” Damien promised. “Now, will you eat what Mr. Finch prepared?”

“Okay,” Cora agreed, her mood shifting instantly. “Love you, Daddy!”

“Good girl. I’ll see you later tonight.”

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