Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince stood up and stepped outside to take the call.

"Hello, Timothy."

"You seem pretty close to Jessica."

Vince gave a relaxed smile. "What are you getting at?"

Timothy pressed his lips together, silent for a few beats before finally speaking. "I need you to get in touch with her for me."

Vince's smile widened. "Can't reach your own wife?"

Sitting in his car parked outside the Zimmerman estate, Timothy looked out into the night. Through the darkness, he could just make out the glow of a phone and a lone silhouette in the yard.

"You're outside?"

Vince glanced back toward the garden.

Timothy got out of the car, and Vince snapped his phone shut, heading over to meet him.

Tonight, Timothy radiated a sharp, brooding intensity.

"It's the Thanksgiving Day and you're not at home celebrating. What brings you to my place?" Vince asked, feigning innocence, his tone edged with a hint of mockery.

Pride was something every man had, and Timothy's expression darkened further. His voice was low and rough. "Just help me get in touch with her."

A trace of embarrassment flickered over his face, and he added, "If you do, The Lawson family will partner with Zimmerman Group on that solar project." Vince already had Timothy's proposal, but he hadn't made any moves yet.

"Well, well," Vince chuckled under his breath, "now that's quite the offer." "Do you ever quit running your mouth?"

Even Timothy, usually the image of composure, couldn't keep the irritation from his voice.

Vince finally relented, speaking slowly. "It's not that I don't want to help. But honestly, I doubt she wants to see you. She told me herself she wants a divorce.

I'm actually considering whether I should help her find a lawyer."

Timothy's jaw tensed, the sharp lines of his face tightening.

"Stay out of my business."

Vince shrugged. "Wish I could, but my grandfather insists on getting involved. You know, Jessica's grandmother was his first love. He never lets us forget that his first real capital came from her. He's always been grateful-even now, after she's passed. He can't pay her back, so he wants to look out for Jessica."

A shadow flickered in Timothy's eyes. Things were getting messier by the minute.

Beneath the dim, amber glow of the porch light, Timothy's cold stare was unmistakable. His voice was icy. "So, what-you're determined to go against me

now?"

Vince sighed "Hey, I'm just the

не grandson here. No way I'm defying the old man. Honestly, Timothy,

maybe you should just let her gonet

She's not happy, and your family's

never really warmed up to her. You, on the other hand, are a catch. There's a line of women waiting for a guy like you. Why make her life harder than it already is?"

His tone was gentle, almost sincere, which only stoked Timothy's anger.

"Ever heard the saying, 'Better to tear down ten churches than break up one

marriage'? Some friend you are pushing me to divorce."

"Jessica's an orphan. I'm not exactly taking her side, just being realistic.

9noveldrama

By most standards, she married up-she should be grateful for everything she's got, right? But she doesn't want it. She's the one trying to leave you. Maybe it's time you asked yourself why. You've got everything going for you, and still managed to lose your wife. Maybe the problem isn't anyone else."

"I never should have come to you," Timothy snapped, turning on his heel.

Swallowing his pride to ask for help, only to get a lecture in return.

As Timothy stormed off, Vince called after him, "Hey, you're the one walking away,

not me. Take care!"