Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Timothy shoved Jessica into the car, then stood squarely in front of the door, blocking any escape. His gaze was icy as he stared down Mr. Smith and Ines, his lips curling into a cold, measured smile. “I appreciate your eye for talent," he said, "but my woman doesn't need to hustle around for a job. Starting today, I want you both to stop asking her to work for you."

Even with the car door shut, Jessica could hear Timothy's voice as clear as day. She pushed hard against the door, but it wouldn't budge. Frustrated, she pounded on the window, but Timothy didn't so much as flinch.

Mr. Smith frowned. "Tim, if you don't want her working overseas, I can just give her the script. She can work on the project here if she'd like—I really do need her..."

Timothy cut him off, his tone unyielding. "What matters more to you your film, or the fact that she wants a divorce?"

There was no room for compromise in his voice.

Everyone knew they were still married, and Timothy clearly had no intention of letting go. Things had gotten messy, and even though Jessica claimed the divorce wasn't about this, Ines couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt.

With Timothy clearly angry, Mr. Smith didn't press the matter. Neither of them truly understood what Jessica was going through; to them, this was just another marital spat, and as outsiders, they knew better than to interfere.

do was watch helplessly as

in the passenger seat, powerless to

mirror, irritation roiling in his

around to open Jessica's door, and said, steady and

Jessica didn't move.

voice softened, almost coaxing. "Maybe if you cooperate, I'll consider signing the

finally, got a reaction. Jessica climbed out of the

she'd poured all her hopes for

and settled onto the couch, gesturing for

calm before