Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Fame always brings its share of trouble," Vince said, his tone grave. "Since this all started because of Jessy, I can't help but worry about her safety."

"You've got a point," Yates agreed, nodding. "It's just one film, but she's clearly on the verge of a breakthrough. It's not impossible someone might be jealous. Looking deeper into this is the right call."

Just then, Vince's phone rang. It was the property management office.

"Mr. Zimmerman, the police just contacted us. Someone's reported the incident, and they're coming to conduct a thorough investigation."

The woman on the other end sounded anxious. A police investigation meant construction would stop, and they were desperate to stay on schedule.

"With something this serious, it's only natural the police would get involved," Vince replied.

"The injured man is your brother-in-law. Is there any way we could settle this privately? The management would make sure you're satisfied with how we handle

it."

"I didn't call the police," Vince said coolly, "so it was likely his family. I'm afraid I can't ask them to back off. Sorry."

Privately, Vince felt it was better this way-with the police involved, it would be easier to get to the truth.

us smooth things over, Mr. Zimmerman? This is your family's ancestral estate. If all goes well, it

happened here-someone got hurt. You need to take responsibility, learn from your mistakes, and manage this place better so no one else gets injured. Trying to sweep it under

"...I'm sorry."

manager fell silent, not

soured. This kind of management

him. "Come on, don't take it too hard. He's just an employee- probably trying to do

Vince shot back, his voice tight with worry. "With her condition, do you really think she'd have survived something like this? I can't just sweep this under the rug and move on. Not until we

"...Sorry."

thought. How do you have the nerve to say you want to pursue her? You talk about fair competition with Timothy, but you won't even break off your childhood engagement. Are you just doing this because you

landed like a punch

wondered. Why was he suddenly so interested in her? Why did he refuse to end the

Timothy had. Was this just stubborn pride? Was it because, as kids,

was it simply pity he felt for her, and not

Yates admitted quietly, guilt

gates of Zimmerman Manor, Yates