Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Are you really sure you can handle this?"

Henry fixed Timothy with big, round eyes, clearly skeptical.

Timothy's face flickered between pale and flushed. "Whether I can or not, I don't have a choice. You little rascal have caused me enough trouble already. I don't have time to deal with you right now-go grab your backpack. I'll drop you off first."

Mabel overheard the exchange from the hallway.

It was clear to her that Mr. Bennett was still trying to win back his wife's heart. The thought brought her a sliver of comfort.

She hoped he'd finally open his eyes and see what a good woman Mrs. Bennett was. As for Sheila, she seemed fake no matter how you looked at her. Sure, she might be great at charming the little master now, but who could say what the future would hold?

And the boy-bless him-was too naive. No matter how close he might get to another woman, nothing could ever compare to his own mother's love.

Timothy dropped Henry off at the Lawson estate. As he was leaving, he pulled out his phone and dialed Sheila.

He hadn't reached out to her in days.

She picked up.

"I found you a spot on an animated film production," Timothy said. "I've already talked to Secretary Allen about the details. He'll send you the info later. If you're interested, take it-the project has potential."

"Thanks."

"I've been busy lately, so I can't follow up myself. From now on, coordinate with Secretary Allen. If anything comes up, talk to her."

Sheila sat at her desk, computer in hand, momentarily stunned.

Was he trying to distance himself from her?

For Jessica's sake?

Even though she realized it, she managed to laugh softly and say, "Alright. Just... take care of yourself, even when you're busy."

"Yeah. I need to go."

the dial tone after the call ended, feeling the

back. Jessica had come to see

still clinging to hope, and Sheila wasn't worried. Jessica didn't

ever did want to get

her know the truth

ensure Jessica would

now, Jessica was completely in the dark; she clearly

always deny it. After all these years, there was no way anyone could

able to speak until the afternoon, so she hadn't had a chance to share the good news with

after Timothy left, she called

answered, and Jessica's voice came through

"You're speaking so

I suddenly started talking today. Herbert, I can never thank you enough. You've done so

gratitude was impossible

her recovery was. Her grandmother had worried

don't have to thank

like that

Your recovery was alwanet

in this direction.

MS

why

"but without your guidance,

this fast. I really

me take you out

lunch tomorrow." fo FindNovel

"I'd like that."

"Then it's a date."

at her vanity, gazing at the voice-emitting

know how to navigate things with Herbert. She could ignore everything else for now, but she

to buy him a gift, Sallie Lawson had