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

and turned to Ines. "What's your read on Tim? I get the feeling

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

he knew about Sheila from their shared circles at Aetherion. "Yeah, Sheila's his aunt, but they're the same age and even share a birthday. Timothy's accomplished so much, it's hard for Sheila to help him, really. He's always been the one looking out for her. I heard once that Sheila

guess I misunderstood things today—and dragged you

I'm not sure. Let me think

Sheila and gently took her arm. Her eyes were bright

inside Timothy. Usually so composed, he suddenly looked a little

her composure in public. Seeing her like this,

and Mr. Smith said to heart," Timothy said softly. "They just don't know