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.

out of the hospital soon, wouldn't

the official summons. Timothy picked up his phone and called Secretary

"Yes, President Lawson?"

court date on the summons for

"One moment, sir."

came back with the

Thirteen days.

to be

that's what

faint, wry smile tugged at

day to rest, and

next

Herbert

hospital for her

invasive procedure.

surgery before, and

tried to

They'd use anesthesia, she'd take a nap, and it would all be over before she knew it. He'd

Some could

retax.

the one