Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Some people take photos with their phones, post them online, or casually mention things in chats-any of these can end up in the big data systems. But if someone leaves no digital footprint, no matter how advanced the platform, there's no way to track them down.

Jessica had never done anything like that, so naturally, there was nothing about her in the data. She was reserved, didn't talk much, and her family was gone-no one was around to let her secrets slip.

As for the birthmark, probably only she and Timothy knew about it.

But the ages didn't match up, so Timothy had already ruled Jessica out.

He reminded Vince, "You can't rely on big data to find everyone. Don't put all your hope in those numbers. If there's another way, it's worth a try."

Everyone knew it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

If Vince's younger sister remembered her childhood, or if she realized as an adult that her family wasn't her biological one and came looking for her relatives, maybe it'd be easier. But after all these years with no news, that possibility was slim.

And that was the optimistic view. If you considered the worst-that she might not even be alive anymore-finding her would be impossible.

A server arrived with their meals, signaling it was time to eat.

Meanwhile, Jessica and Marquis had just about finished their discussion. Jessica had typed up all the relevant events on her laptop; she could provide some evidence herself, but for other parts, the lawyer would have to collect it.

“Ms. Greene, leave the rest of the evidence gathering to me. If you're planning to go abroad, you can do so without worry. I'll notify you well in advance once the court date is set."noveldrama

There was quite a bit to collect.

For example, the school security guards and the hospital nurses-both

considered Sheila to be Timothy's wife and Henry's mother. Solid proof.

Then there were hotel records; with a bit of effort, they could retrieve the booking history. It wasn't just once, either.

Oakwood, Capital City-they'd traveled together to both places.

Jessica handed over the school parent group chat logs to Marquis.

There was even the news article about Timothy buying a crown for Sheila-just a

quick search online brought it up.

And of course, the swan brooch.

Plus, every time Jessica stepped back from the situation, she'd receive a bank transfer those records, too.

There were so many pieces of evidence, she didn't dare list them all. It almost felt endless.

Marquis believed that with enough evidence, the case would be an easy win.

Still, his advice was to file for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. After all, there was no concrete proof that Timothy and Sheila had a physical relationship. If the opposing lawyer challenged them on that point, the case could fall apart.

Jessica agreed to follow Marquis's lead; he was the expert, and winning the case was what mattered.

She wanted to treat Marquis to dinner as thanks, but he wouldn't hear of it he worked for The Zimmerman Group, and Vince had specifically assigned him to help. He

made up an excuse about having other obligations and left.

Once in his car, Marquis sat in the driver's seat for a moment, then texted Vince:

"Mr. Zimmerman, I've discussed

everything with Mrs. Lawson.

There's a ton of evidence. If we

gather it all, the court will almostnet

certainly rule that the marriage has broken down. Are you sure you want me to go through with this?

Marquis was practically shaking as he sent the message.

The Zimmermans and the Lawsons had always been close, and Vince and

Timothy were good friends. Helping to break up Timothy's marriage was bound to cause trouble.