Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 17

Timothy had grown up surrounded by elite education. His manners and bearing always set him apart from the crowd. Naturally, he held the utmost respect for a teacher as esteemed as Ines.

"Ines, I understand where you're coming from. If Sheila doesn't meet your standards for students, I won't insist. But since you care so deeply about animation and want to give back to this field, surely you wouldn't mind sharing your wisdom with younger people who share your passion."

Jessica left the gallery and paused outside, standing before a large display board advertising the traveling exhibition. She scanned the QR code with her phone, curious about the upcoming tour dates.

As she read, she overheard snippets of conversation from people leaving after her.

"I still wonder who that woman was-the one who 'married for love.' Ines mentioned her again just now while talking about the other pieces. She seemed genuinely regretful."

"Right? If I had that kind of talent, and Ines believed in me, who would care about love? I'd be all in for my career. Men can't be relied on the way money or work can."

"Exactly. If her love story turned out happy, fine, but to give up a future like that? It's just not worth it."

Jessica's lips lost all color.

Meanwhile, Timothy emerged from the lounge with Ines at his side.

Ines signaled for an assistant to carefully remove The Grand Canal, Venice from the wall.

have the painting delivered

million from

"I only agreed to part with this because your son's animation paper cutouts reminded me so much of my former student's

"I apologize," Timothy replied.

away and added, "Thank you for your generosity, Ines. I won't keep you any longer. If you ever need anything, please don't

leave, but

Ines? Is

her head. "No,

mind was still on Henry. But in a family like the Lawsons,

he would one

where Sheila stood with Henry, lifted his son into his arms, and

watched them go, regret flickering in

returned to her hotel, packed her bags, and caught a flight back to

its own airport; she'd had to fly

she landed than her phone rang again.

had been trying to reach her. Jessica had assumed Mabel wanted to talk about Henry, so she'd ignored the calls. Now that Timothy and

phone anyway,