Goodbye, Mr. Regret

That moment did make Mr. Smith pause and reconsider, if only a little.

Ines wanted to speak up for Jessica Greene, so she continued, "Today was quite an unusual situation. Once you've had time to recover from jet lag and get some rest, if your schedule allows, I'd like to bring her to apologize to you in person. She truly is eager to be part of your film project."

Kane Sutton scoffed, unable to help himself. "But isn't there already a talented animation producer right here? Mr. Smith, why bother waiting for someone who doesn't keep their promises?"

A tinge of embarrassment passed across Ines's face.

Sheila Howard gave Kane's sleeve a gentle tug and said seriously, "Kane, you don't know much about the animation industry. It's not right to make careless remarks."

Seeing that everyone had arrived, Vince Zimmerman signaled to the waiter to start bringing out the food.

Timothy Lawson, who had already promised Sheila he'd help her secure a spot in Mr. Smith's new film, naturally didn't want the role to go to anyone else. With a faint, knowing smile, he added, "Kane may not know animation, but he's not entirely wrong. If someone can't honor their commitments, it does make you question their work ethic."

was actually Timothy's wife, but before she could speak, Timothy continued, "Mr. Smith just arrived in Riverside City. Tonight's dinner is to welcome him-let's not get

comfort-after all, nobody wants to talk business right after a

Ines held her tongue. Maybe it was for the best. Too many voices at once can muddy anyone's judgment. She'd wait until Mr. Smith had some downtime,

returned to The Gilded Whisper

was sprawled on the living room couch,

had read up on Sheila's work online-this very cartoon starred a character Sheila had

her bio, she'd studied voice acting in college, determined to breathe life into her creations and express her

not only so great at making cartoons, but her voice acting is amazing, too. She's just so talented. I wish my

absorbed in the show, Henry didn't notice Jessica

kitchen, spotted Jessica,

There was Jessica, standing by