"—"
The words caught in Herbert's throat. He swallowed them back.
Jessica was still married. Whatever he wanted to say, now just wasn't the right time.
"It's been so long since we've seen each other. When are you coming back? I'd love to take you out for dinner, celebrate your movie in advance."
"My mom's been feeling a lot better since she saw me. She came out here to recuperate, but she says once she's back on her feet, she'll head home to Riverside. It shouldn't be much longer."
"Alright. I'll be waiting," Herbert replied, his voice bright and cheerful.
"Thank you."
"No need for thanks. Really. I don't have anything else—since you just met your biological father, you should spend more time with your family. I'll let you go. Take care."
After hanging up, Jessica felt a tangle of emotions twisting inside her.
She knew how Herbert felt about her.
But...
She still hadn't signed the divorce papers with Timothy.
already been married, already had
deserved someone better,
herself to break the
phone rang again, interrupting her thoughts—a number
film just premiering, maybe it was someone from the
moment the call connected, a small, familiar voice came
"Mom."
Henry?
pang shot
call, her
Henry sat frozen, listening to
didn't want
side, phone dangling limply. Naylor anxiously leaned over, "Henry, did you get
Then she
were
"How could she be so heartless? Henry's her own flesh
the
hurried to open it,
"Phelps! Get out here!"
bristling with anger. He jumped to
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