Goodbye, Mr. Regret

If this counted as domestic violence, Jessica would need Marquis to come over and collect evidence.

As it happened, Marquis was already in Vince's office. He pulled up a photo on his phone and handed it to Vince. "Take a look at this, Mr. Zimmerman. Lawson really went too far-no wonder Mrs. Lawson wants a divorce."

Vince's brow furrowed as he saw the dark bruises mottling Jessica's wrists.

"She said the marks are from being tied up with a necktie," Marquis added.

Vince shot to his feet. "Did he force himself on her?"

Marquis, surprised by Vince's reaction, replied, "I'm not sure. Let me message her and find out."

Handing the phone back, Vince said, "Actually, check if she's home. Go over and get the evidence. I'm going to have a word with Timothy myself."

"You're really getting involved in Timothy's divorce?"

Vince raised an eyebrow. "Do I look like I'm joking?"

"All right, I'll reach out to her now."

Vince left the office.

Jessica soon received a message from Marquis:

*Ms. Greene, according to the Domestic Violence Protection Act, restraining or tying someone up is considered domestic violence, regardless of whether there are visible injuries. Are you available right now? I can come over to collect evidence.*

*Yes, I'm home.*

*Okay, I'll be there soon.*

Meanwhile, Vince drove to The Lawson Group's corporate offices, but Timothy wasn't there.

Given what had happened earlier, Vince guessed the incident must have been recent; Timothy was probably still at home.

Back at the Lawson house, Timothy had just returned to the master bedroom after arranging for someone to fix the burst pipe-only to find Jessica gone.

She really never gave him a moment's peace.

Things like this had never happened in their home before.

He remembered, as he'd loosened his tie earlier, seeing those red marks around her wrists. Her skin bruised so easily-a mere touch would leave a mark. Then again, his actions had been a little rough.

Never mind.

He should just go bring her home and talk things through.

Just as Timothy was about to leave, Vince showed up at the door.

Timothy arched an eyebrow, less than thrilled.

Vince's tone was cool. "What's this, am I not welcome?"

Timothy walked back into the living room, Vince following close behind.

Timothy pulled open a drawer, took out a file, and held it tightly in his hand. "Since you're here, I won't have to go out of my way to find you. Here's the information you wanted."

Vince reached for the file, but Timothy drew it back, his tone brooking no argument. "Dismiss your lawyer."

"So if I don't fire my lawyer, you're not going to give me the file?"

Timothy pressed his lips together, his chiseled features unreadable. After a pause, though, he handed the file to Vince.

Vince took it, a wry smile on his lips. "Aren't you afraid I won't actually get rid of my lawyer?"

Timothy's voice was cold. "I'm only giving you this for Mrs. Zimmerman's sake. I don't owe you any favors. If you refuse to pull your lawyer-" His gaze hardened. "Don't expect me to play nice. Friend or not, you crossed a line first."

What happened between him and Jessica was their private business. Anyone who interfered was crossing the line.

"You angry?"

"If·

f you keep pushing, I might be."noveldrama

Timothy said it lightly, almost breezily.

He could tell Vince had some feelings for Jessica, but not enough to actually try and take her for himself.

Vince couldn't help but scoff. "Anyone else listening would think you're the perfect loving husband."

That morning, when Jessica listed Timothy's emotional affairs, Herbert hadn't translated her words; but judging from how Herbert had been so furious he'd nearly gone after Timothy with a golf club, it was obvious Jessica had suffered more than a little in that marriage.