Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy."

Sheila called after him, her voice tight. "You saw how things were today. If you bring Jessy here now, you'll only make things worse between her and Henry. Is that really what you want?"

Henry, stifling his sobs, clung to Sheila's side. His eyes were red and brimming with misery. Seeing his son so upset, Timothy's frown deepened.

He glanced over at Jessica. Vince was talking to her, keeping close. With Vince by her side, at least Timothy didn't have to worry about her safety.

After a moment's hesitation, Timothy slipped back into the driver's seat and pulled away from the curb.

Back at The Gilded Whisper Estates, Henry bolted straight to his room and locked the door behind him.

He'd left for the arts competition that morning so full of excitement, only to come home in tears. And all of it-every bit of his disappointment-was because of his mother.

"Henry."

Sheila stood at his door, her tone gentle but urgent. "Don't be upset, honey. Please open the door. Whatever's wrong, you can talk to me."

Timothy didn't have the time to scold Henry right now. If he waited any longer, Jessica would be flying overseas with Mr. Smith tomorrow.

He was at his wit's end.

His voice was low and tense as he turned to Sheila. "Can you keep an eye on Henry for me? I have to step out."

Sheila's worry deepened. "Henry's so upset are you sure about leaving him alone here?"

"Jessica's leaving for Europe with Mr. Smith tomorrow."

Sheila nodded quickly. "Alright. You go take care of Jessy. I'll stay with Henry."

"Thank you," Timothy said, then hurried out.

Sheila watched his determined figure disappear down the hall, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles turned white.

He really was caring more and more about that mute girl.

Everything Jessica had done lately-it was all just to get Timothy's attention.

Sheila couldn't wait any longer.

If things kept going like this, she might never be able to turn them back.

Timothy slid into his car and, without missing a beat, called Vince.

The call barely rang before Vince picked up.

"Where are you?" Timothy's voice was sharp, barely masking his frustration.

"Out to dinner," Vince replied coolly.

"With who?"

"Why do you care? I have a right to some privacy."

"You're with Jessica, aren't you?"

Vince pinched the bridge of his nose. "What exactly is your problem, Timothy?"

"Send me your location," Timothy demanded, his tone brooking no argument.

"Sorry, what was that? You're breaking up-bad signal, I think. Gotta go." The line clicked dead.

Timothy glared at his phone, his eyes blazing with anger.

He dialed Secretary Allen next.

As it happened, Secretary Allen had something to report as well. "Mr. Lawson, the gravestones for your wife's mother and grandmother have been restored. Should I let her know?"

"No. Find out where she is right now-and what time her flight is tomorrow with Mr. Smith."

Timothy snapped his phone shut, waiting for Secretary Allen's reply as Jessica's cold expression from earlier kept flashing before his eyes.

She hadn't said a word to him all day.

She'd ignored him completely-worn the necklace Herbert gave her, but wouldn't even touch the diamond ring he'd bid for at the charity auction. He'd bought that Voice Emitting Ring the moment he saw it, intending it as a gift just for her.noveldrama

His feelings weren't there to be trampled on.

If she wouldn't respond to kindness, then he'd just have to be tougher.

Inside the restaurant, Vince sat down across from Jessica. "Timothy's looking for you. He tried calling me. Do you want to see him?"

Jessica shook her head. "No."

Having the necklace really did make things easier.

Vince gave her a knowing look. "With Timothy's temperament, if he wants to find

you, it won't take him long in a place like Riverside City."