Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"Jessica, I'm so sorry. I had no idea you were married to Timothy before-l shouldn't have said those things. Please, don't take it to heart."

Jessica smiled and pulled out her phone, typing a quick message: "Mrs. Reynolds, it's alright. I know you meant well. By the way, was there something urgent you wanted to talk about?"

"Let's sit down first."noveldrama

Once they were seated, Latonia let out a weary sigh. "Timothy's... well, he's something of a legend. You marrying him is a blessing, really. Why are you suddenly talking about divorce?"

So even Mrs. Reynolds had heard about it...

Jessica tapped out another message: "Did Herbert tell you?"

"In a way," Latonia admitted. "He wouldn't say much at first, but his father scolded him yesterday. When I pressed, he finally told me."

Latonia looked uncomfortable, her lips pressed tightly together. "Jessica, you know about my past. I had Herbert before I was married, but his father and I truly loved each other. His family opposed us, and we had to separate for a long time. It was only after he became head of Wheeler Holdings that he brought Herbert and me back to live with him. But the rest of the Wheeler family-his uncles, cousins—they're always eyeing the company. Now Wheeler Holdings has suddenly offended Timothy..."

Jessica could already guess the rest.

It only took a little digging for Herbert's father to realize it had to do with her-

Herbert had been helping Jessica find a divorce lawyer. Timothy was showing his power, making it clear he could cut off anyone close to her.

Suddenly Jessica thought of her advisor, who had left in such a hurry that morning. Was there trouble on that end, too...?

Her grip on her phone tightened, her thoughts tangled and heavy.

"Jessica?"

Latonia's voice pulled her back. Jessica quickly typed: "I'm sorry I've dragged you all into this. I shouldn't have asked Herbert for help. It won't happen again."

Latonia could sense Jessica's sadness. Jessica had been unable to speak since childhood, but she was always so considerate, always helping out wherever she could. Latonia was genuinely fond of her.

"I'm not blaming you," Latonia said gently. "It's just... it took so much for our family to finally come together. I don't want Herbert's father to be caught in the middle because of us."

She felt awkward, having to talk to Jessica like this. Latonia prided herself on being understanding and fair-minded, and she knew Jessica's inability to speak made her even more sensitive than most. If she spoke too harshly, she might hurt Jessica's feelings; too softly, and the message might not come through.

As a wife and mother, she had to look out for her family, keep the peace, and protect their happiness. So she steeled herself and continued, her tone gentle but earnest. "Timothy's gone to such lengths over this divorce-doesn't that show he doesn't want to let you go? And you have a son together. Could you really bear to let your boy grow up in a broken home? Divorce should only ever be a last resort, when there's truly no other way forward. Think it through, Jessica."

Yes, only as a last resort.

Jessica had reached that point, but she should have guessed Timothy wouldn't agree to a divorce. He still needed her as Mrs. Lawson, needed her to shield him and Sheila from the fallout.

He'd been so gentle with her on their way back from the city, comforting her with kind words. She never imagined he'd lash out at Herbert-just as, when she first tried to file for divorce, not a single lawyer would take her case.

She shouldn't have impulsively asked Herbert for help.

Jessica hated being a burden to others. She typed out another message: "Mrs. Reynolds, I'm sorry. I'll explain everything to Timothy and make it clear that it was my idea to ask Herbert for help. I won't let him take it out on your family."

Latonia looked stricken. "Jessica, if anything, I should be the one apologizing. Herbert and I wish we could do more, but Wheeler Holdings just isn't on the same level as the Lawson Group. In business, people avoid going to war unless there's truly no other option. I hope you understand."