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.

then, Vince's parting words echoed in his mind: Get out of

Timothy picked up his

"Yes, President Lawson?"

date on the summons for

"One moment, sir."

pause. Then Allen came back with

Thirteen days.

time to be

what Vince

faint, wry smile tugged at

took a day to rest, and

next

Herbert

hospital for

invasive procedure.

major surgery before, and

to reassure

way, he said. They'd use anesthesia, she'd take a nap, and it would all

Some could

retax.

be the one