Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 213

Vince's voice rang out clear and strong, instantly drawing every gaze in the ballroom.

Even Larkin looked up, his clouded eyes sharpening with interest.

For a few seconds, the room fell silent, the low hum of conversation vanishing as everyone took in the scene. Then, a curious voice piped up, "Whose daughter is that? I've never seen her before-she's stunning."

"Absolutely. She's got such grace, too. Do you think she's Vince's girlfriend?"

Sallie's face soured at once. "Would you all stop speculating?"

She might not care for Jessica herself, but that didn't mean she'd let anyone imply Jessica was attached to another man-Jessica was still Timothy's wife, after all.

as ever. "Come with me, let's go

It wasn't just because of her grandmother, though that thought

here, dear," Larkin

with a small nod, followed Vince

offered a gentle, respectful curtsy before Larkin, then stepped aside, signaling to a servant to bring forward her birthday

up for her.

ballroom. He didn't come over right away, instead joining Mr. Smith near the far wall, the

mother had arrived at the manor earlier that afternoon, so Timothy had come in

seemed to quiet the very air around her-and her beauty, even in a

face. "Tim, you and Vince are close-do you know if that lovely young woman

spark of interest in Mr. Smith's eyes,

spotted Jessica the moment he walked in. That familiar, delicate silhouette was impossible to miss. And now, with Mr. Smith's attention so keenly fixed on her, Timothy's mood soured further. His voice dropped to a low,