Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Don't think like that. I understand how you feel-and I know why you're afraid to come to me. Little Mute, no matter how powerful Timothy is, this is a country of laws now. In your marriage, you both have equal rights; he doesn't get the final say. If you want a divorce, I can help you find an international lawyer."

Jessica's eyelids fluttered with resignation. She responded in sign language, her gestures measured. "If you want to help me, it still has to be an international lawyer. Most local attorneys won't even touch this divorce case. So it isn't just about whether or not Timothy allows it. No one wants to risk crossing him-the consequences aren't worth the trouble, no matter how strong our case is. Everyone knows that. Why drag yourself into these dangerous waters?"

Even if Herbert found her an international lawyer, it would be the same as openly defying Timothy.

Last time, Herbert had merely tried to introduce her to a lawyer, and Mrs. Reynolds had shown up at her door not long after.

It was obvious: Timothy had the power to threaten The Wheeler Group.

Pull one thread, and the whole fabric unravels.

It wasn't about whether Jessica trusted Herbert or not. This failed marriage was her own mess-there was no need to drag someone else down with her.

Herbert felt a sudden urge to confess how he truly felt about Jessica.

But logic kept him in check; now wasn't the time. Saying anything would only drive her farther away.

After a long silence, he finally spoke. "You're just too kind. Even when you're trapped, you're still worrying about everyone else. After what happened last time, I told my father: if Timothy ever targets The Wheeler Group because I helped you find a divorce lawyer, I'll take full responsibility. No one else will pay for my choice."

He was ready—if it came to it-to leave the Wheeler family behind.

He wasn't afraid of Timothy.

Mute was still

don't have to risk everything for

let him get involved, Jessica knew she'd never

seriously. "Don't you want a

Jessica dropped her gaze.

wasn't that she

it for

refused, how could

Vince. At least Vince wasn't afraid to stand up

really negotiate with Vince? And would he be willing to risk his own relationship with Timothy for

could get Vince's help, it wouldn't put him in real danger-the Lawson and Zimmerman families had a unique relationship, and

Jessica steadied herself, then

to figure something out first.df I can't

Jessica had decided not to return to her hometown, they drove back

she was

didn't hide the fact that she'd left The Gilded

to drop her at the gate of

her mood, didn't