Goodbye, Mr. Regret

It used to be Ines who saw Jessica's potential and favored her, but now, after Mr. Smith had sought Jessica out, every word he said seemed filled with nothing but praise. He, too, regarded Jessica as a rare talent.

Jessica's mere presence had always been an emotional blow to Sheila. Now, to Sheila's dismay, Jessica had become an obstacle in her career as well—not a major one, perhaps, but enough to leave Sheila struggling for air, unable to claw her way back.

The elegant composure Sheila had so carefully maintained nearly crumbled in an instant. The confident arch of her brows quivered as if a string had snapped, her rose-red lips faded into a dull rust, and the easy curve at the corners of her mouth turned into a mechanical, muscle-strained imitation of a smile.

She had arrived for Mr. Smith's interview in such high spirits, never imagining it would end like this.

Timothy's brow furrowed, his eyes darkening with a stormy intensity.

Ines, as Jessica's mentor, might have been biased, loving her protégé's work with a touch of partiality. But Mr. Smith didn't even know Jessica personally; his judgment was based solely on her work. And both of them, independently, believed Jessica had extraordinary talent in animation.

seen Jessica's comic adaptation of *The Grand

after seeing that piece, but she had

perfectly well he was making plans for Sheila's professional future, yet she had gone behind his back and started plotting her own. It was as

what did her animation talent matter? Even if she made a name for herself in that field, could

was his wife. His earnings were enough for both of

their son needed her at

many men had been drawn to her. There was no way he'd let her parade herself out there, inviting even

under a man like that-Mr. Smith, whose reputation for romantic entanglements was infamous,

that world.

animation, if she wanted to dabble as a hobby, he had no objection. But throwing herself into