Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince saw her agree and let out a grateful, “Thank you."

Jessica understood she wasn't the real deal. It wouldn't be hard for Vince's mother to see through her, but that didn't matter. If Vince had come to her, he must have a plan to make everything work.

She typed another message: "It's nothing, really. You've helped me plenty. Just let me know what you need in advance so we don't slip up."

Vince replied, "Good. There's still time, so no rush. This is a last resort, after all— don't stress about it."

Jessica reassured him, "You're right. It's not ideal, but at least it's something. I hope you find your real sister soon and your family can finally be together again. That would mean everything to your mother."

The situation wasn't dire, so Vince hadn't told Jessica all the details about his sister. There honestly wasn't much to say-he barely remembered her from when they were kids.

First, he'd search as best he could. If he hit a dead end, he'd come clean to Jessica about everything.

Even Yates had said Jessica resembled his little sister. Maybe they could pull this off.

With that conversation wrapping up, Vince brought up Timothy.

"Jessy, Timothy doesn't seem ready to sign the divorce papers. Even though you're out of the country, you might not be completely safe. I have a feeling he'll come looking for you. What's your plan?"

"He's injured, isn't he? He won't be able to travel for a while. By the time he's discharged, the divorce hearing should be scheduled."

As Jessica typed, her mind drifted to that night with Timothy. If nothing else, his behavior then was enough for the judge to grant the divorce.

She'd checked her phone earlier calls from Phelps Lawson and Sallie Lawson, both unanswered.

intention of calling

documents. Any headaches now-well, that was for the Lawson family to

Early morning.

with breakfast for Timothy, only to find his bed empty. She rushed to ask his attending physician, who informed her he'd

must have

that serious, he should have been resting, not running off

phone. It was

dialed Secretary Allen

"Where's Mr. Lawson?"

left the

what?” Sallie's face drained of color. Is he

"When did he leave?"

o'clock. Private jet. Don't worry, Miss Lawson-there

How could she possibly not

anyone, battered and bruised, insist on flying out of

say where

Just asked me to arrange the plane and a medical team. Once everything was

Sallie's frown deepened. "Aetherion?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Sallie