Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sheila couldn't take any more. Pride forgotten, she abruptly stood up, her

discomfort obvious. "Professor, Mr. Smith, I'm sorry, but my throat's really sore today. I shouldn't talk too much and distract you from your discussion. I'll head out first."

Only then did Timothy look over at her he noticed the red tinge spreading across the whites of her eyes.

His features tightened instantly, but Ines and Mr. Smith were too busy showering Jessica with praise to even notice Sheila's distress.

Especially the way they kept going on about Jessica's "talent”—didn't that mean that no matter how hard Sheila worked, she'd never measure up? That was a bit much, wasn't it?

Of all people, Timothy knew how hard Sheila had worked over the years.

Sheila offered Mr. Smith and Ines a brief, apologetic nod, then hurried away. Timothy rose after her, his tone cool but polite. "Since we clearly don't see eye to eye, let's leave it here for now. Sheila twisted her ankle today; I'd rather not let her go home alone. I'll walk her out. Please, take your time with dinner-I've already asked my assistant to settle the bill."

Timothy followed Sheila

shrugged helplessly and turned to Ines. "What's your read on Tim? I get the feeling he's not exactly thrilled about his

wrong. But Sheila isn't actually his wife-she's

share a birthday. Timothy's accomplished so much, it's hard for Sheila to help

Sorry, Mr. Smith, I guess I misunderstood things

sure. Let me

up with Sheila and gently took her arm.

Usually so composed, he suddenly

the perfect Howard family daughter, never lost her composure in public. Seeing her like this, it was clear just how deep

Smith said to heart,"