Goodbye, Mr. Regret novel Chapter 24

"She's my aunt. Anyone who dares to print a single lie—be ready to disappear from Riverside City."

His voice was cold and commanding, every word laced with warning.

No one dared question him.

The reporters all knew exactly what Timothy's words meant.

His intimidating presence parted the crowd; journalists scrambled to clear a path.

Jessica stared at the large screen overhead, watching as her husband shielded Sheila.

Aunt.

What a perfectly convenient excuse.

The photographers knew what they were doing, too. They managed to capture Timothy, their son, and Sheila in a way that made them look every bit the perfect family.

Like a genuine family of three.

Herbert noticed Jessica's gaze fixed on the screen. "Little Mute?" he called.

Jessica turned her head, her eyes tinged with a faint, rosy hue.

Herbert glanced again at the screen. "You know Timothy?"

Timothy's reputation clearly preceded him—Herbert had spent years abroad, yet even he knew the name.

Jessica smiled bitterly and signed a response.

"If I told you he's my husband, would you believe me?"

Herbert's pupils widened in surprise.

Though it sounded like a question, he could almost be certain it was true.

Jessica was always quiet, reserved, never one for lies or jokes—certainly not about something like this.

He'd heard Timothy was married, with a son. But the wife was a mystery—never seen, never photographed.

Rumor had it Timothy kept her well-protected.

No wonder, Herbert thought. When Timothy wrapped up his business before coming back home, he'd sent people to inquire about Jessica. For seven years, there was nothing—no trace of her.

With no news, Timothy finally returned to his hometown, hoping for a chance encounter.

He never expected to actually run into her.

And she'd married.

Married Timothy.