Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Jessica couldn't help replaying what Sheila had said—could it really be true that she wasn't her parents' biological daughter?

But almost instantly, she shook off the thought. She'd asked the neighbors in her hometown, and everyone knew she was her grandmother's real granddaughter, her mother's own flesh and blood. The elderly neighbors had seen her grow up- there was no way they'd all be in on a lie. Maybe one person could fool her, but not an entire street of people.

Besides, her grandmother and mother had both passed away. If Jessica truly wasn't their biological child, what reason would anyone have to keep it a secret now? Was she just letting Sheila get into her head, making her spiral with pointless doubts?

“Some kids just don't look like their parents,” Jessica replied, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, that's possible. I'll arrange for someone to look into things for you as soon as I can," Timothy said, seated in his wheelchair, listening carefully as Vince spoke on the phone nearby.

Jessica had gone back to her hometown, and now she wanted to find her father. This was getting harder and harder to prevent. Maybe it was almost time for the truth to come out, for these siblings to finally recognize each other.noveldrama

But Timothy himself hadn't made any progress at all. He needed to keep blocking Jessica for as long as he could. After returning to his study, he messaged Secretary Allen, instructing him to track down Jessica's father as soon as possible.

He had to find the man first-otherwise, if Vince or Jessica got to Jessica's adoptive father, there was a real risk they'd let slip that Jessica wasn't the Greene family's biological daughter. If that happened, the secret would be out, and suspicions would arise.

After sending the message, Timothy looked down at the photo album in his lap and slowly opened it. Inside, most of the photos were of Salome Zimmerman as a little girl, her hair in pigtails, her big eyes sparkling with life, her smile dazzling and warm. She looked like a child raised in a world of love-a perfect, cherished daughter.

How could such a sweet girl have suffered so much? Timothy's heart clenched, hollow and aching, wishing he could make up all the love she'd missed over the past twenty years.

He couldn't believe he'd neglected her for seven years-if only he'd known sooner, if only he'd given her more warmth, maybe things wouldn't have come to this. If they divorced now, he might never have a chance to win her back. She was like a migratory bird, waiting for the right wind-when the opportunity came, she'd be gone in a heartbeat.

A sudden shrill ring cut through his thoughts-his phone was buzzing. It was Yates Bryant calling.

"Timothy, why haven't you contacted the production team for that upcoming film? You're not still set on that project, are you?"

"No," Timothy replied flatly.

Vince was already involved, and Timothy didn't want to meddle and risk angering him. He already felt guilty enough about Salome-if Vince wanted that movie, he could have it.

"Good. If Vince wants to invest, let him. If you want to help Sheila, back that new show instead. The producers are about to secure funding and are asking if we're interested. If you want in, you'd better act fast."

"Alright."

Since Vince was his brother-in-law, Timothy decided to let him have the movie. He'd invest in the new project for Sheila to produce; whatever success she achieved would be up to her own abilities.

"I heard you didn't show up to court for the divorce hearing," Yates continued after

pause. "And that you used news about Salome to threaten Jessica?"

"Vince told you?"

"Yeah." Yates hesitated, then added,

"I get the feeling Vince is giving you one last chance. If you keep refusing to talk, he might tell both

families-mine and yours. Theol.ne

you't have all the elders from the Bryant and Lawson families coming down on you. Have you thought about that?"

He had. How could he not?

Worst case, he'd just keep stonewalling. What could they actually do to him? Vince hadn't told the families yet, probably because he guessed Timothy wouldn't budge.

"It's fine. If they want to pressure me, let them. I said I'd tell her in a month, and that's final. Nothing will change that."

"Alright, alright. But at least tell me this—has she remarried? If she has, I can stop worrying about her coming back and my parents nagging me to get married."

"Don't worry, she's married," Timothy replied, eager to put an end to the whole arranged marriage farce.

It was exhausting-Jessica and Salome's situation was just the beginning; he knew more headaches were sure to follow once the truth came out.

He knew this was a reckless, short-sighted way to handle things, but he couldn't stop himself.

"Then just come clean already. You're filing for divorce-do you really think you can salvage your marriage in the next month? Dragging it out like this will

think you're the type to doel

make Jessica hate you more I don't

something so pointless."

"Don't talk nonsense."

"I'm not," Yates pressed. "If you really want to save your marriage, you shouldn't use Salome as a

bargaining chip. Don't forget, shonet

only went missing years ago because she was bringing you a birthday cake. The Zimmermans were desperate to find her, and Mrs. Zimmerman's health is so fragile now. Doesn't it bother your conscience to keep hiding the truth?"