Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Herbert drove Jessica back to her apartment.

During the ride, Jessica found it difficult to communicate with him since he was focused on the road.

As soon as they stepped inside and sat down, Jessica turned to Herbert and immediately began signing an apology. "I know you only fought with Timothy because you wanted to stand up for me. I shouldn't have spoken to you so harshly earlier. I'm sorry."

Her nerves had been on edge before; she was anxious and upset.

Now, with a lawyer ready to take her case, things felt far less overwhelming than if she'd tried to press charges on her own.

Take that contract she'd signed with Timothy, for example-she'd missed so many flaws, simply because she wasn't a professional. She wouldn't have stood a chance against Timothy's attorney in court, especially since she couldn't speak. It had nearly slipped her mind, in her haste, that she simply couldn't argue her own

case.

Herbert's temper had cooled by now. He realized he'd acted on impulse.

His voice was low, heavy with regret. "I'm the one who should apologize..."

Jessica had no family to rely on. Her husband and son had long since turned away from her. The warmth and protection Herbert offered felt as close to family as she could get.

She was deeply grateful for that.

She'd scolded him earlier only because she didn't want to drag him into her mess.

Jessica slowed her hands, her gestures gentle and soothing, as if to comfort him. "Herbert, I know you have my best interests at heart. I just didn't have time to explain before—I asked Vince for help because..."

She told Herbert about how she'd met Vince, how Larkin was willing to help with her case, leaving nothing out.

Afraid Herbert might misunderstand, she signed again, "It's not that I doubt your abilities. I know you're not afraid of Timothy. It's just—I am. I'm afraid he'll come after you, and then all of this will be my fault. Do you understand how I feel?"

He did. But he hated that Jessica still treated him like an outsider.

What really stung was the realization that, compared to Timothy, his own status and influence just weren't enough to protect her the way he wanted to.

And now, Jessica had to worry about him too.noveldrama

Herbert forced a smile. “I

understand. Since Vince has

arranged for a lawyer to handle your divorce, I'll step back for now. It's

almost noon-let's grab some lunch."

They ate at a nearby restaurant. Before leaving, Herbert reminded Jessica to set aside some time tomorrow to visit him at the hospital so they could discuss details about her minimally invasive surgery.

When Jessica returned to her apartment, she collapsed onto her bed.

Even though she'd spent the night in the hospital after coughing up blood yesterday, exhaustion still weighed heavy on her.

She set an alarm before drifting off, not wanting to miss her meeting with Ines and Mr. Smith.

When she woke, Jessica took a shower, changed her clothes, and double- checked the portfolio she'd saved on her phone. It was almost time to go.

Ines and Mr. Smith had arranged to meet her at a coffee shop and sent her the location well in advance.

Grabbing her purse, Jessica headed out.

Meanwhile, Vince wanted nothing,

do with Timothy's petty drama. He brushed off Timothy's accusations

jov

deft The Lawson Group,

and

returning to The Zimmerman Group.

All afternoon, Timothy's words echoed in his mind.

"Does that include you, too?"

Earlier, Timothy had hinted that Jessica had plenty of admirers ready to help her.

But what exactly did he mean?

Vince was two years older than Timothy, yet he'd never been in a relationship, never been drawn to any woman in particular.

But that mute little waif...

He had to admit, she'd captured his attention.