Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He was right.

It was the truth.

That's exactly the kind of person he was.

And that was why Jessica had always wanted to break free from him, to escape.

"Yates, thank you," she said quietly.

"No need to thank me. I'm not letting you off easy, either. We're competing fair and square," Yates replied.

Timothy's voice was hoarse. "Alright."

Yates had made himself perfectly clear. If Timothy still refused to change, then he really would lose Jessica forever.

Jessica had compromised for Herbert's sake, for Vince's sake—because she always tried to do the right thing, always thought of others.

But he hadn't.

He only wanted what he wanted.

He couldn't bear the thought of losing her, so he kept trying to trap her at his side, ignoring her feelings completely.

"I'm hanging up."

"Yates, wait."

Timothy caught him before he could end the call. "Can you tell me how she invested in that film?"

"Think about it. You'll figure it out," Yates said, and the line went dead.

Timothy stared at his phone as the dial tone hummed in his ear.

Yates wanted him to figure it out himself.

He could work it out, couldn't he...?

All the money was still at home. So where had she gotten the funds?

Suddenly, Timothy's eyes widened. He quickly dialed Secretary Allen.

"Allen, I need you to check Mrs. Foster's bank statements—the card I used to transfer two hundred grand to, each time."

"Yes, sir. I'll get on it right away."

Timothy paced anxiously, waiting.

Meanwhile, Sheila was sprawled on her bed, scrolling through Twitter posts about Timothy feverishly promoting Jessica's film. She'd bitten her lower lip so hard it was bleeding, a metallic taste filling her mouth.

He really had fallen for Jessica...

And Jessica without saying a word-had produced an animated feature. Sheila hadn't seen the film herself, but even from the trailers and clips circulating online, she could tell, as a professional, that this movie had the potential to be a blockbuster.

If it succeeded, Jessica's name would be everywhere in the animation industry. Famous overnight.noveldrama

Sheila seethed with jealousy, fists clenched so tightly her knuckles ached. She had worked so hard, but all anyone cared about was Jessica.

None of the projects she'd participated in had ever reached these heights.

Jessica had completely outshone her.

And after this... how could Timothy ever have room for her in his heart?

Gripping her phone, Sheila made a call.

"Dad, can you help me with something?"

Jessica stepped out of the bathroom just as her phone rang. She hurried over and saw Herbert's name on the screen.

She picked up immediately.

"Little Mute, I saw your film! Even at the early screenings, it's already a hit. I'm so happy for you," Herbert said.

He sounded cheerful, but Jessica could hear the strain in his voice.

She smiled softly. "Thank you. I'm sorry, I haven't been in touch these past few days. I came back to- Aetherion and have been with my parents, spending time with them. I

haven't had a chance to call."

"It's alright. I knew you'd be busy after getting home. I was just surprised you

managed to make a movie without telling anyone."

"It wasn't

Candy me-l justted

Carlisle and his team," Jessica explained, recounting how she'd helped fund Carlisle's project.

Herbert's heart ached all over again.

When he'd first heard about Jessica giving away that two hundred thousand, he'd practically hated Timothy.

He never imagined she'd take what little she had and quietly use it to help Carlisle and his team.

She was still the same as she'd been as a child—always willing to give the best she had to others.

"Little Mute, I...”

Herbert knew she could speak now, but he stubbornly clung to the nickname— Little Mute-something only he called her.

There was something he'd been wanting to say for a long time, and today, he finally found the courage.