Goodbye, Mr. Regret

[There's been a bit of an incident. | won't be able to cover for a while- probably a month or so.]

Herbert stared at Jessica's message, instantly suspecting Timothy was behind this, using strick or another.

[Did he force you?]

[No. It was a peaceful divorce. We've already signed the papers at city hall, but there's a mandatory waiting

period-one month.]

Jessica didn't elaborate beyond that.

Even with the waiting period, if Jessica wanted to leave the country, she could. The fact that she hadn't meant

only one thing: Timothy must be holding something over her, something she couldn't risk.

But now that the divorce was filed, Herbert didn't feel like he had any right to pry further. She hadn't received

the final papers yet, and if he kept asking, it would only look like he was overstepping.

[If leaving isn't convenient, then at least take care of yourself while you're still here. Remember to do your rehab

exercises every day. If you run into any problems, contactanytime.]

[Okay.]

Meanwhile, Timothy was on the phone with Mr. Smith.

He started by telling Mr. Smith not to pressure Jessica about leaving the country-

she wouldn't be going abroad for at least a month. Then he got to the point: "Didn't you mention a specialist

overseas, someone who could treat aphasia? Givehis contact information."

Yesterday afternoon, Jessica had managed to make a sound, but it was a struggle. Today, she was still relying on

sign language. Clearly, she still couldn't speak normally. Timothy knew he needed to find a doctor for her.

"Well..."

Mr. Smith hesitated.

"I'm just asking you to recommend a doctor. Why are you being so cagey?"

"Timothy, I'm afraid this isn't someone you can just hire."

Timothy's brow furrowed. "Why not? If it's about money, I'll pay whatever it takes."

"It's not about money. It's about the person."

Timothy's tone grew annoyed. "| thought you Westerners were supposed to be straightforward. Since when did

you becso evasive?"

"Maybe I've picked up the habit from you," Mr. Smith shot back, half-joking. "Seriously, Timothy, don't ask me

about this anymore. | have my reasons. Try another way, all right? In any case, don't worry too much. Your wife's

aphasia can be treated. Just don't overthink it."

Trying to offer scomfort, Mr. Smith's words only made Timothy more impatient.

"Cut the nonsense. | want to know the doctor's name. Just tell me, and I'll contact him myself."

"You're sure?"

"Yes."

"Herbert."

Timothy's phone almost slipped from his hand.

"Surprised?" Mr. Smith said. "I'll be straight with you-he's been treating Jessica's aphasia for stime. Back

when he was at Aetherion, he spent seven years in the lab, specializing in acquired aphasia. You probably know

why."

Even after the call ended, Mr. Smith's words echoed in Timothy's mind: Seven years in the lab, working on

acquired aphasia...

So, Herbert had cback for Jessica.

She was already getting treatment.

And as her husband, he hadn't known a thing.

If Jessica hadn't accidentally made a sound yesterday, would he have remained

completely in the dark even when she finally spoke again?

A strange, indefinable emotion welled up in Timothy's chest.

What on earth had happened to her as a child, that she lost her voice? And what else had she endured, that she

couldn't even remember her own childhood?

Most people can recall at least a few things from when they were five or six-their parents’ faces, that they had a

family. But Jessica

remembered nothing. What else had she been through that he didn't know about?

She'd spent so many years unable to speak. Before marrying him, her life must have been incredibly hard.

Timothy picked up his phone again and dialed Secretary Allen.

"Dig up everything you can on my wife. Everything. | want her entire history."

After ending the call, Timothy phoned Inman.

They'd met a few times in business and exchanged numbers, but they weren't close.

Inman sounded surprised to get his call. "Well, this is unexpected. To what do | owe the pleasure, President

Lawson?"

"Could you giveyour brother's number?"

Inman chuckled, the disappointment clear in his voice. "I thought maybe The Wheeler Group was about to strike

oal with us, but it turns out

you're just after my brother Are you planning to settle a score?

Clearly, Inman already knew about Herbert's involvement.

"No. | need his help as a doctor."

"All right, I'll hang up and send it to you."

Inman sent Herbert's number soon after. He was willing to do at least that much.

Timothy stared at the screen, at Herbert's number, for a long tbefore finally dialing.

yelet

Herbert, still preoccupied with thoughts of Jessica, hadn't gone sleep yet. When he saw an unfamiliar number

from Riverside Chy, he hesitated, then answered.

"Hello, Herbert speaking. Who is this?"

"Timothy."

Herbert's eyes narrowed, surprised Timothy would contact him directly.

His voice dropped. “What are you threatening Jessica with now?"

"Do you want to see her?"

Timothy's words were light, almost casual, but Herbert was thrown off. He had no

idea what Timothy was getting at.

"What are you scheming this time?"