HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 992

Lydia had deliberately prepared a simple dinner gathering as an expression of gratitude for two pieces of joyful news. Naomi had finally returned home safely, and Lydia's own pregnancy had been successfully preserved.

Because of that, nearly every member of the Devereux family was present that evening. Not only the family elders, but also the people who had stood by Cale's side all this time—Jasper, who had now fully recovered, Brandon, whose shoulder was still wrapped in a thin bandage, Vincent, Paula, as well as several business partners and the family's trusted associates.

The moment Naomi entered the dining room with Chris, the conversations that had filled the room gradually quieted. Not out of awkwardness, but because everyone instinctively turned to look at her. The smiles, nods, and relieved expressions warmed her heart once again.

"It looks like our guest of honor has arrived," Cale said with a smile. His remark was immediately met with light laughter.

Naomi shook her head shyly. "I didn't even know there was going to be something like this."

"That was intentional," Lydia replied. "If I'd told you beforehand, you would've refused."

"I'm not that bad."

"Aren't you?" Lydia arched an eyebrow. "You even said you didn't want to trouble anyone since you'd already seen them a few days ago. But if we're having dinner together, isn't that much more enjoyable?"

Her words drew soft laughter from several people, while Naomi could only let out a helpless sigh.

"All right... you win."

The atmosphere grew relaxed again. The servants began serving the dishes one by one, while the conversations shifted from business and travel to lighthearted stories that never once touched on what had happened a few weeks earlier. It was as though everyone shared an unspoken agreement; that night was not for remembering wounds, but for celebrating a second chance.

In the middle of dinner, Mr. Adam rose to his feet and lifted his glass. "First of all, I'd like to give thanks."

Everyone turned their attention to him.

"Our family has been through a great deal over the past few weeks."

He did not mention the kidnapping, speak Silas's name, or bring up the blood and tears that had filled their days.

"But tonight, we're gathered together again under far better circumstances."

He smiled at Lydia. "Congratulations on the newest addition to the family."

Then his gaze shifted to Naomi. "And welcome home, Miss Devereux."

Vincent, who had been enjoying his dinner, added with a faint smile, "If you disappear again, all of us will be the ones Mr. Cale scolds."

His remark immediately drew laughter.

Cale shook his head lightly. "I certainly will. Including you, Brandon."

Brandon raised both hands. "I knew it. Even if I was at the office, I'd still get dragged into it."

Now the entire room was filled with laughter. Naomi looked at each face gathered around the table. It was only then that she realized something.

These people were not just Cale's family. They were not merely the people who worked for the Devereux family. They had become people who, without being asked, had taken her safety as their own responsibility.

And for the first time since that nightmare had ended, Naomi no longer felt as though she was standing alone.

The dinner gathering returned to lighthearted conversation. Glasses were refilled, warm dishes continued to arrive, and laughter occasionally broke out from different corners of the table. After weeks overshadowed by anxiety, everyone was truly enjoying each other's company for the first time without the weight of fear hanging over them. Naomi gradually found herself swept up in the atmosphere. From time to time, she laughed as Josh and Brandon exchanged jokes, while Lydia gently rested her hand on her growing belly several times with a smile full of gratitude.