Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He was right.

It was the truth.

That's exactly the kind of person he was.

And that was why Jessica had always wanted to break free from him, to escape.

"Yates, thank you," she said quietly.

"No need to thank me. I'm not letting you off easy, either. We're competing fair and square," Yates replied.

Timothy's voice was hoarse. "Alright."

Yates had made himself perfectly clear. If Timothy still refused to change, then he really would lose Jessica forever.

Jessica had compromised for Herbert's sake, for Vince's sake—because she always tried to do the right thing, always thought of others.

But he hadn't.

He only wanted what he wanted.

He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, so he kept trying to trap her at his side, ignoring her feelings completely.

"I'm hanging up."

"Yates, wait."

end the call. "Can you tell me how she

it out," Yates said,

his phone as the dial tone

wanted him to figure it

it out,

at home.

eyes widened. He

I need you to check Mrs. Foster's bank statements—the card I used to transfer

get on it right

Timothy paced anxiously, waiting.

sprawled on her bed, scrolling through Twitter posts about Timothy feverishly promoting Jessica's film. She'd bitten her lower lip so hard it was bleeding, a metallic taste filling her

really had fallen for

Jessica without saying a word-had produced an animated feature. Sheila hadn't seen the film herself, but even from the trailers and clips circulating online, she could tell, as a professional,

name would be everywhere in

clenched so tightly her knuckles ached. She had worked so hard, but

of the projects she'd participated

completely outshone

Timothy ever have room

her phone, Sheila made

you help me

stepped out of the bathroom just as her phone rang. She

She picked up immediately.

saw your film! Even at the early screenings, it's already a hit. I'm so happy for you,"