Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Timothy."

Sheila called after him, her voice tight. "You saw how things were today. If you bring Jessy here now, you'll only make things worse between her and Henry. Is that really what you want?"

Henry, stifling his sobs, clung to Sheila's side. His eyes were red and brimming with misery. Seeing his son so upset, Timothy's frown deepened.

He glanced over at Jessica. Vince was talking to her, keeping close. With Vince by her side, at least Timothy didn't have to worry about her safety.

After a moment's hesitation, Timothy slipped back into the driver's seat and pulled away from the curb.

Back at The Gilded Whisper Estates, Henry bolted straight to his room and locked the door behind him.

He'd left for the arts competition that morning so full of excitement, only to come home in tears. And all of it-every bit of his disappointment-was because of his mother.

"Henry."

Sheila stood at his door, her tone gentle but urgent. "Don't be upset, honey. Please open the door. Whatever's wrong, you can talk to me."

Timothy didn't have the time to scold Henry right now. If he waited any longer, Jessica would be flying overseas with Mr. Smith tomorrow.

He was at his wit's end.

His voice was low and tense as he turned to Sheila. "Can you keep an eye on Henry for me? I have to step out."

Sheila's worry deepened. "Henry's so upset are you sure about leaving him alone here?"

Europe with Mr. Smith

nodded quickly. "Alright. You go take care of

you," Timothy said,

hall, her fists clenched so tightly her knuckles

more and more about

had done lately-it was all

wait

going like this, she might never be able

slid into his car and, without missing

call barely rang before Vince

voice was sharp, barely

dinner,"

"With who?"

have a right to

Jessica,

his nose. "What exactly is your problem,

Timothy demanded,

that? You're breaking up-bad signal, I think. Gotta go." The line clicked

at his phone, his eyes blazing