Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 188

Sallie shot back, "Aren't you a Lawson too?"

Ignoring the tension, Timothy bent down to pick up the cane and handed it to Phelps, trying to soothe him. "Grandpa, please don't be upset."

Phelps' frown deepened, the lines on his weathered face seeming even more pronounced.

Just then, Jessica eased Timothy's hand away and crouched to gather the scattered bills from the floor.

Sallie's lips curled in disdain. "Timothy, just look at her. Is money really all she cares about?"

There was a hardened, complicated look in Timothy's eyes. He had stepped in to defend her, but she didn't seem to care at all.

Phelps gave a cold snort. "Timothy, do you see her attitude? Are we really worth less to her than a pile of cash?"

Timothy had convinced himself that after all the compromises he'd made for her, she'd at least try to settle in for a month-let things return to normal, give the family some peace.

Clearly, he'd been fooling himself. Jessica seemed completely indifferent to his good intentions, determined to keep the household in turmoil.

At that moment, Henry came downstairs, drawn by the commotion at the door. Jessica had already scooped up the last bill and tucked the money away in a box. "Great-Grandpa, Aunt Sallie, you're here! Come in, don't just stand in the hallway." Jessica picked up the box and headed toward the door.

"Mom."

after her. "Grandpa and Aunt Sallie are here-aren't you going to make breakfast? I want your chicken noodle soup. I haven't had it in so

didn't know Sheila had left

tight ache rising in her chest. She looked away quickly and walked out, ignoring the entire Lawson family

She's turned her back on

didn't even

are you just going to let her treat everyone like this? I don't expect her to cook for me, but what about Henry? Didn't you hear him say he hasn't had her chicken noodle soup in ages? No wonder he's gotten so close

rest of her complaint, not

promised Sheila he'd

so frustrated

why are you

not from me. Come in, everyone. Why are we all crowding in the

Sallie pressed on. "Timothy, stop making excuses for Jessica. She's never worked a day

can't even speak. Where'd she get

face darkened. "Do you call her mute

mute. I'm just stating

"Sallie, that's enough."