Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert drove Jessica back to her apartment.

During the ride, Jessica found it difficult to communicate with him since he was focused on the road.

As soon as they stepped inside and sat down, Jessica turned to Herbert and immediately began signing an apology. "I know you only fought with Timothy because you wanted to stand up for me. I shouldn't have spoken to you so harshly earlier. I'm sorry."

Her nerves had been on edge before; she was anxious and upset.

Now, with a lawyer ready to take her case, things felt far less overwhelming than if she'd tried to press charges on her own.

Take that contract she'd signed with Timothy, for example-she'd missed so many flaws, simply because she wasn't a professional. She wouldn't have stood a chance against Timothy's attorney in court, especially since she couldn't speak. It had nearly slipped her mind, in her haste, that she simply couldn't argue her own

case.

Herbert's temper had cooled by now. He realized he'd acted on impulse.

His voice was low, heavy with regret. "I'm the one who should apologize..."

Jessica had no family to rely on. Her husband and son had long since turned away from her. The warmth and protection Herbert offered felt as close to family as she could get.

She was deeply grateful for that.

She'd scolded him earlier only because she didn't want to drag him into her mess.

her gestures gentle and soothing, as if to comfort him. "Herbert, I know you have

how she'd met Vince, how Larkin was willing to help with her case, leaving nothing

not that I doubt your abilities. I know you're not afraid of Timothy. It's just—I am. I'm afraid he'll come after

that Jessica still treated him like an

own status and influence just weren't

now, Jessica had to worry

a smile.

understand. Since Vince has

to handle your divorce, I'll step back for now.

noon-let's grab

ate at a nearby restaurant. Before leaving, Herbert reminded Jessica to set aside some time tomorrow to visit him at

her apartment, she collapsed

though she'd spent the night in the hospital after coughing up blood yesterday, exhaustion still weighed heavy

off, not wanting to miss her meeting with

her clothes, and double- checked the portfolio she'd saved on her

her at a coffee shop

her purse, Jessica headed

Meanwhile, Vince wanted nothing,