Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince didn't bother to spare Timothy's pride.

"Herbert's the one who can't control himself. He knows she's married, but he still chases after her like a lovesick puppy. And you don't act innocent. Are you aiming to be the other man, or maybe third in line? If either of you had a shred of decency, you wouldn't be entertaining thoughts about her at all. It's not like there aren't single women left in the world."

Timothy shrugged it off. "Honestly, I think Herbert's feelings for Jessy are sincere, but he keeps it respectful. If you're so worried about other men, maybe you're getting ahead of yourself. Once you're out of the picture, what's stopping them from pursuing her openly? If you want to compete, I'm not sure you'd even make it to the starting line."

Timothy was unruffled. "I'm not going to argue with you. It's pointless. Bottom line, this whole mess is on you. You're the one who sent her away, so her wellbeing and safety are your responsibility now. If she comes back and anything's changed, it's on you. You'd better get yourself to Aetherion and keep a close eye on her."

"I'm on my way already. At least cover my flight, will you?"

"Just go!"

"Hey, you told me to go. I'm leaving. Take care of yourself," Vince said, then added, "Get out of the hospital as soon as you can-wouldn't want you to miss your day in court."

Timothy's irritation simmered.

Sending Vince to Aetherion was definitely safer than letting Herbert anywhere near Jessica.

Whatever Vince might feel for Jessica, he'd never actually cross the line. Their years of friendship meant too much to him; he wasn't about to stab Timothy in the back.

But Herbert was different.

The lengths he'd already gone to...

Timothy grabbed the glass from his bedside table and drained it in one gulp.

words echoed in his mind: Get out of the

the official summons. Timothy picked up his phone

"Yes, President Lawson?"

on the summons

"One moment, sir."

back

Thirteen days.

to

that's what Vince

faint, wry smile tugged at

a day to

next

Herbert

hospital for

invasive procedure.

before, and it was hard

tried to reassure

technology had come a long way, he said. They'd use anesthesia, she'd take a nap, and it would all be

Some could

retax.

be the one doing