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

the relevant documents. Any headaches now-well, that

Early morning.

find his bed empty.

He must have lost his

have been

phone.

dialed Secretary Allen

"Where's Mr. Lawson?"

Lawson left

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

"When did he leave?"

jet. Don't worry,

worry? How could she possibly

never seen anyone, battered and bruised,

he say where or

arrange the plane

Sallie's frown deepened. "Aetherion?"

"Yes, ma'am."

up, Sallie