Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Some people take photos with their phones, post them online, or casually mention things in chats-any of these can end up in the big data systems. But if someone leaves no digital footprint, no matter how advanced the platform, there's no way to track them down.

Jessica had never done anything like that, so naturally, there was nothing about her in the data. She was reserved, didn't talk much, and her family was gone-no one was around to let her secrets slip.

As for the birthmark, probably only she and Timothy knew about it.

But the ages didn't match up, so Timothy had already ruled Jessica out.

He reminded Vince, "You can't rely on big data to find everyone. Don't put all your hope in those numbers. If there's another way, it's worth a try."

Everyone knew it was like looking for a needle in a haystack.

If Vince's younger sister remembered her childhood, or if she realized as an adult that her family wasn't her biological one and came looking for her relatives, maybe it'd be easier. But after all these years with no news, that possibility was slim.

And that was the optimistic view. If you considered the worst-that she might not even be alive anymore-finding her would be impossible.

A server arrived with their meals, signaling it was time to eat.

Meanwhile, Jessica and Marquis had just about finished their discussion. Jessica had typed up all the relevant events on her laptop; she could provide some evidence herself, but for other parts, the lawyer would have to collect it.

evidence gathering to me. If you're planning to go abroad, you can do so without worry. I'll

was quite a bit to

security guards and the hospital

to be Timothy's wife

hotel records; with a bit of effort, they could retrieve the

City-they'd traveled

handed over the school parent group

the news article about Timothy buying a

online brought

course,

stepped back from the situation, she'd

many pieces of evidence, she didn't dare list them all.

evidence, the case would be

grounds of irreconcilable differences. After all, there was no concrete proof that Timothy and Sheila had a physical relationship.

agreed to follow Marquis's lead; he was the expert, and winning the case was