Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"She can talk now. I'd like you to come over and help her with her illness."

Timothy spoke calmly, making his intentions clear.

Herbert let out a cold laugh. "I've been treating her all this time—she's almost cured. So what's with the act? You think just because you're asking me to help her now, it somehow makes up for all the pain you've caused her? That's wishful thinking."

Timothy's voice remained even. "Instead of sneaking around to help her, why not do it openly, with my permission?"

Jessica had told him she couldn't leave for at least a month. She hadn't gone into details, but Herbert knew there must be a good reason.

He didn't want to agree to Timothy's proposal, but in truth, it was the best option right now.

Face-to-face treatment always worked better. The fact that she could speak again was a huge step forward.

If Timothy was reaching out to arrange her treatment, then Jessica must have already returned home.

Timothy was a master at manipulating people's emotions.

Even knowing this, Herbert finally agreed.

Hearing Jessica speak again had always been her dream—and his. He felt responsible to see it through to the end.

After the call ended, Timothy didn't disturb Jessica.

Henry was still staying at the Lawson estate for now. Knowing Jessica probably

didn't want to see him, he headed to the office instead.

Around lunchtime, Mabel knocked on Jessica's bedroom door.

"Ma'am, lunch is ready."

Mabel didn't know the full story between Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, but it was clear enough that Jessica wanted to avoid her husband. Mabel quickly added, "Mr. Lawson's gone out."

She was worried Jessica might skip lunch and go hungry.

Only then did Jessica set down her mouse and open the door.

Mabel smiled. "We made all your favorites for lunch."

pressed her thumb to her chest in

ate quietly, then returned to

wouldn't risk her health these days, nor

didn't bother her at all

late. By the time he arrived, Mabel

bedroom door and found

headed for

envelope. He opened it and pulled out

own life when Jessica was eight; her father

seven

she lost her voice-probably from

was six. How could she have formed such a deep bond with her adoptive mother in just

her grandmother

her treatment, even getting swindled out of a large

her

and offered

through the file, wave after

neglected her far

giving her a comfortable

for a girl

never tried to truly understand

wheelchair, Timothy went to the study and fetched the

quietly unlocked the

on the bedside

soft light, he watched her sleep-she looked so fragile, as if

more weight.

she was

features, he

was mute, so that

mute

crossed his mind. She hadn't

did no one would have ever imagined she might be related

Kon

Yates's personality reminded him

mind was a tangle of

wanting to touch her face, but