Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Chapter 218

Timothy arched a brow. "When are you finally going to drop that nasty habit? You're the eldest daughter of the Lawson family—can't you act like it? Why do you keep calling her 'the mute'? She's my wife, for God's sake. What's there to hide?"

Sallie stared at Timothy in silence for a moment before replying slowly, "You've been so protective of her lately... Are you starting to care about her?"

Timothy paused, his expression unreadable. "Can't you see she's been causing a scene lately? Or do you want me to get a divorce?"

Sheila was back in town. If Timothy got divorced, there was no guarantee old feelings with Sheila wouldn't flare up again. Sallie would rather see Timothy stay with that quiet woman than ever go back to Sheila.

Her lips trembled as she spoke. "Of course I don't want that. But you don't have to announce her identity to everyone. And don't blame me for calling her mute-she is mute, isn't she? Besides, she's been acting out, making trouble for you this whole time. I'm angry."

"Enough. Whatever's between me and her is none of your business. If you don't want to see me get divorced, then treat her with some respect."

Sallie didn't say another word, just turned and walked away.

After leaving Zimmerman Manor, Jessica sent Vince a message letting him know she had something to take care of and was leaving early.

Vince, reading her text, made his way to the restrooms and found Timothy still standing by the ladies' room door.

"Timothy, where's Jessica?"

hasn't come

Timothy caught his arm. "What do you think you're doing? That's the

just texted me. She said she had to

and strode into the restroom, pushing open both stalls. Jessica was

inside, didn't dare go in

noticed the bathroom window was wide open, looking out over an empty

His face darkened.

stepped out of

over. "Where

"She's gone."

announce her as his goddaughter. She was supposed to be the star

"Vince, what's wrong with you? If you want to compete with me, do it on your own merits. Dragging your grandfather into it- what kind of man does that make

are you talking about? How am I dragging my grandfather into anything, or

could tell Jessica wasn't exactly welcome in the Lawson family, being mute and all. He just wanted to help her out-and, maybe, see what Timothy's true feelings were. How did that suddenly

what I mean," Timothy shot back, turning to leave.