Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Vince frowned, a sense of unease settling over him.

Mayfield was a shareholder in Stonebridge Construction.

A darker premonition crept into his mind. Was it just a coincidence? Or something

more?

It was still morning in Aetherion when Vince pulled out his phone and dialed

Sandra.

Sandra was surprised to see Vince's name pop up and quickly answered.

"Sandra."

"Vince, is there any improvement with Henry's situation?"

Sandra and Timothy's grandfather, Abell Howard, had originally planned to return home with Sallie. But Sallie, not wanting the elderly couple to endure the long journey and emotional turmoil, insisted they stay put. She promised to keep them updated if there was any news. So far, though, Sallie hadn't reached out.

"It's not a terminal illness. The whole Lawson family has been tested as potential donors. Once the surgery is done, Henry should recover."

"That's a relief."

Clearly, the Lawsons still hadn't told the Howard family about Timothy's accident. Vince hesitated, then asked, "Has Sheila come back home?"

"Yes. After Timothy visited your place last time, I questioned Sallie about it. She said Henry's been treating Sheila like a mother figure. I called Sheila late that night and had her come back. I asked her about everything. The truth is, she spoils the child too much-lets him have his way, never guides him. I've told her to stay home for now."

Timothy's mother had died young, leaving a gaping wound in both Sandra and Abell's lives. When they found Sheila, she became their whole world.

Sandra's offhand explanation told Vince what he needed to know—she still sided with Sheila deep down. He let the matter drop.

"I didn't have any other reason to call. I just didn't see her when I came back, so I wanted to ask."

"Is Timothy still having problems

with Jessy because of Sheila? If that's the case, could you talk to Jessy for us? There's really nothing between Timothy and Sheila. As his family, we would never allow such a thing. For the past seven years, Timothy and Sheila have behaved like any normal siblings. They're close in age, grew up together, and Timothy is sentimental by nature. Sheila had a rough time back then, and Timothy's always looked out for her. Please reassure Jessy not to misunderstand. I'll talk to Timothy as well."

Sandra's explanation was polite but firm. Vince could only sigh. "Sandra, their marriage has more problems than just this. I can't change Jessy's mind for her. One day, you'll understand."

They chatted for a bit longer before ending the call.

Mayfield was still a shareholder at Stonebridge Construction, and with the recent accident still under investigation, Vince didn't want to tip his hand just yet.

He made another call, arranging for two bodyguards to shadow Jessica starting

tomorrow-to keep her safe, discreetly.

He didn't want anything else to happen to her.

No sooner had he hung up than his phone rang again. Yates was calling.

"Your nephew's awake. And today's his birthday. Sallie just went to buy a cake. Do you want to come to the hospital to see him?"

Today was Henry's birthday?

"No, I'll pass."

"What about Jessy? Is she coming? I just stopped by the room-Henry was hoping his mom would visit."

A tangle of emotions knotted in Vince's chest. "I don't know if she wants to go."

Some dilemmas just cut straight to the heart.

Timothy and Henry had both hurt Jessica, again and again. Now she had cancer, and neither of them even knew.

When she needed them most, they were never there not once.noveldrama