Goodbye, Mr. Regret

"It's a small-scale production, but there's a lot of potential. The voice recordings are underway, and all the initial financing is wrapped up. Right now, they're just looking for a distributor and a spot in theaters."

As soon as Yates Bryant finished speaking, Timothy Lawson lost interest.

He was looking for a project still in pre-production, something he could leverage to help launch Sheila Howard's career. A film that was already finished wasn't what he needed.

"I meant something that hasn't started yet, or at least is still in the works."

Yates lit a cigarette and leaned back lazily in his office chair. "Planning to do this for Sheila?"

"Yeah."

Timothy didn't bother hiding it.

Yates took a long drag, then said, "Timothy, have you lost your mind?"noveldrama

"What do you mean?"

"Your wife walked out on you, and you're still tangled up with Sheila. You really think you're that irresistible?"

Timothy just shrugged it off. "There's nothing going on between me and Sheila. You guys are reading too much into it."

Yates couldn't help but laugh. "You're in way too deep to see clearly."

Timothy frowned. In truth, there really was nothing between him and Sheila.

For years, Jessica Greene had always been gentle and considerate, never causing him any trouble. He'd always believed she understood everything about him.

There was one time, though, when Jessica did bring it up. He'd meant to explain, but Kane Sutton had called just then-Sheila had fallen from the terrace-and he'd had to rush out before saying a word.

After that, there never seemed to be a good chance to talk. Every time he tried, something else got in the way.

Could that really be the reason she left?

If so, that was an easy fix.

He could just explain it to her.

"Yates, I'll talk to you later. Keep an eye out for projects, and let me know if you find anything that fits. I've got to go."

After hanging up, Timothy switched to the other SIM in his phone and dialed Jessica's number.

She'd blocked him before, forcing him to borrow friends' phones just to reach her.

So, he'd bought a new SIM card just for this.

Jessica had just woken up from a faint when her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar.

She declined the call without a second thought.

Timothy listened to the steady beep at the end of the line. He'd never- used this number to contact her

re; there was no way she could know it was him.

But then again, Jessica rarely answered calls from strangers.

He knew he couldn't explain everything over the phone, but at the very least, he

needed to reach out-let her know what was really going on.

He typed out a message: Jessy, things aren't what you imagine between me and

Sheila. I'll explain everything-can you pick up when I call?

'n

His finger hovered over "send," but then he thought better of it. This wouldn't clear things up. And if she blocked this number too, he'd be out content belongs to

of

He deleted the message.

He'd just have to go to Aetherion and talk to her in person.

Face-to-face would be best.

He called Secretary Allen and asked him to charter a private jet.

His leg was still in a cast, so he'd have to travel lying down.

Meanwhile, Jessica pushed herself up in her hospital bed. Herbert Wheeler

arrived with dinner, knocking before coming in after a moment's pause.

He set the takeout box on her nightstand and sat down, asking kindly how she was feeling.

When he saw she was stable, he

said, "Vince Zimmerman's in Aetherion, too. He called during your surgery this morning, wanted to see you. I told him you were in the hospital for your throat and didn't let him come by-didn't want anyone to know about your treatment just yet. He's still getting over the jet lag, but he'll probably reach out to you or me again. Do you want to tell him?"