Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince and Sallie both turned at the sound of footsteps. Yates approached, his face unreadable.

Sallie glanced at Jessica, practically seething. This was it-now everyone would know Timothy had married a woman who couldn't speak.

Vince, completely unfazed, spoke up. “Sallie thinks Jessica's embarrassing Timothy because she doesn't talk. Yates, tell me how exactly is Jessica an embarrassment to Timothy?"

Sallie could barely restrain herself from smacking Vince. She adored her little brother and couldn't stand the idea of any imperfection tarnishing his spotless reputation. Vince, as always, had to say the one thing guaranteed to make things worse.

Yates's gaze swept over Jessica. To him, she looked even more beautiful today.

"Sallie, Jessica is Timothy's wife. If Timothy himself isn't bothered or ashamed, why should you be? I honestly don't see how she's done anything wrong." Sallie's eyes narrowed in surprise. "So even you know she's Timothy's wife?"

Yates arched an eyebrow. "Yeah. Three days ago at Red House-Timothy was with us, and so was she. Kane called her mute, and Timothy actually lost his temper over it."

Sallie's lips curled into a cold, mocking smile as she glared at Jessica. "You really know how to make a spectacle of yourself, don't you? Would it kill you to just stay quietly at The Gilded Whisper Estates and mind your business as Mrs. Lawson? But no, you have to come out, let everyone see, stir up gossip. If you have so much time on your hands, why not go toe-to-toe with Sheila instead of parading around Timothy's circle?"

"Sallie!" Vince said sharply, using her full name. "Jessica is my guest. Show her some respect. Timothy's well aware she's here today. If you want to throw a tantrum, take it up with your brother-not with her."

anger and humiliation. She and Vince had bickered for as long as she could remember, but it never affected their relationship; out in public, Vince always looked out

into a corner, people often instinctively look for backup. Sallie turned to Yates. "Yates, did you

replied coolly, "You're Jessica's sister-in-law. Maybe you should think about how you're

was stunned. Both men-taking Jessica's

finger at Vince, then at Yates. "You

stormed off,

Larkin had always wanted her to marry Vince, doted on her endlessly. Not that she'd ever be interested in

written all over his face. "I'm really sorry. I invited you here and didn't manage to shield you from all that. She's alwaysbeen hot-headed-says whatever pops into her mind

message on her phone, assuring Vince it was fine-she didn't

stares—she'd seen them all, ever since

Come on,

for her

Yates

ahead, Vince glanced back. "Yates,