Goodbye, Mr. Regret

The reason Vince suggested Jessica create a paper-cutting artwork was simple- he wanted Sandra and Abell to see her in a new light.

Jessica couldn't speak, and judging by Sallie's attitude, she was clearly looked down upon. But Jessica had her own brilliance: she'd mastered the long-lost art of bas-relief paper cutting. Her creations were strikingly three-dimensional, so lifelike they left everyone astonished.

Vince wanted her talent to shine. He wanted people to realize that her silence did nothing to diminish her excellence.

On Jessica's side of the room, she was already sketching out her design.

Vince stepped out onto the balcony and called a framing shop to book an appointment for later. After that, he started asking around in his circle, looking for a specialist who could treat selective mutism. If Jessica could speak again, that would be the best outcome.

Meanwhile, Sandra was busy preparing for the evening. When Timothy told her that Jessica had agreed to come for dinner, she immediately set the staff to cleaning up the house and planning the meal, beaming with delight all the while.

She even took out a piece from her own wedding dowry. "Darling, what do you think—can I give this to our future granddaughter-in-law?" she asked her husband.

Sheila saw what Sandra had chosen: a pair of Royal Pearl Cuffs, which matched the Royal Pearl Necklace that had once been part of the same set.

Years ago, Sandra had given the necklace to Hannah, intending to pass the matching bracelets to her as a final gift. But fate intervened-Hannah passed away long before Sandra ever expected, and the bracelets remained in her care. After Sandra adopted Sheila, there was a time when Sheila overheard Sandra and her husband discussing the bracelets, with Sandra suggesting they'd go to Sheila as a wedding present. Back then, Sheila had assumed that, given her relationship with Timothy, anything left of Hannah's would eventually be hers. The entire set would be hers.

Sandra's family had once been nobility, her ancestors including a favored duchess. The Royal Pearl Necklace and Cuffs were bestowed on them by that duchess herself-registered heirlooms crafted with royal skill.

Now Timothy had given the necklace to Jessica, and Sandra was ready to hand over the bracelets as well.

should have been hers. Now Jessica was taking it all-her

taste filled Sheila's

meeting our granddaughter- in-law-anything less would be inadequate. The

mother left behind is part of this set. When the time comes,

gaze immediately

was damaged last

be willing to give it

Timothy replied

He actually agreed.

bit down hard on her

like, piece by piece,

Jessica finished her artwork-a fabric-based

than the fragile

center was

were intricate designs of

Vince was amazed.

reat