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."

"Thank you." Jessica pressed her thumb to her chest in a gesture of gratitude.

quietly, then returned to

these days, nor

her at

time he arrived, Mabel told

the master bedroom door and

headed for the guest

brown envelope. He opened it and pulled out

had taken her own life when Jessica was eight;

been seven at the time, turning eight

was that same year she lost her voice-probably from the trauma of her

was six. How could she have formed such a

her grandmother in the

tried everything to get her treatment, even getting swindled out of a large sum. Overworked and devastated, her grandmother fell seriously

only twelve or thirteen, survived on her own skills

Ines noticed her and offered sponsorship that

he read through the file, wave after wave of guilt

her far

her a comfortable life was enough a

for a girl

to truly understand

to the study and

unlocked the

on

watched her sleep-she looked so fragile, as if

more weight.

she was

features, he

mute, so that

mute

his mind. She hadn't had

when she did no one would have ever imagined she might be

Kon

had once commented that Yates's personality reminded

a

touch her face, but pulled

such lengths, even