Goodbye, Mr. Regret novel Chapter 73

"What are you two plotting over there? Cooking up some shady business?"

Herbert was furious, but Jessica firmly pushed him out the door before he could protest.

Not wanting to make things harder for her, Herbert kept his mouth shut. As he brushed past Sallie, he shot her a brief, indifferent glance.

Sallie crossed her arms and let out a cold snort.

This guy's got guts, she thought. The nerve to look at me like that.

If she weren't set on dealing with Jessica, she would've dragged Herbert outside for a one-on-one.

After Herbert left, Sallie narrowed her eyes at Jessica, her voice icy. "Come outside. We need to talk."

Jessica didn't hesitate, stepping forward as Sallie stormed ahead.

Once outside The Silverthread Eatery, Jessica slid into the passenger seat of Sallie's sports car.

Sallie floored the gas, taking Jessica straight to her upscale downtown apartment.

She ordered the housekeeper to bring two cups of coffee, then sat down beside Jessica, legs crossed, exuding superiority.

"So," Sallie demanded, "what's going on between you and that guy?"

Jessica typed quickly on her phone: Childhood neighbors.

Even if she was considering divorce from Timothy, she wasn't about to drag Herbert into this.

Sure, Herbert came from a good family, but in Riverside City, who in their right mind would cross Timothy?

"What a noble answer. Do you think I'm blind? He's so protective of you, even knows sign language. Who learns sign language unless it's for someone special? I have to say, you're full of surprises. A mute, but apparently quite the charmer."

The insult stung. Even Jessica's usually calm demeanor cracked as she jabbed furiously at her phone.

Don't you dare slander me. Herbert and I really are just childhood neighbors. If you don't believe me, go check for yourself!

"You—!"

Sallie was so angry she shot to her feet, hands trembling.

Jessica stood too, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door.

"Jessica! Don't you dare walk away from me!"

But Jessica had already opened the door and strode out.

Sallie paced the living room, chest heaving with rage, before finally snatching up her phone and dialing Timothy.

The call barely connected before she blurted, "Timothy, Jessica—"

"Don't mention her to me!" Timothy cut her off sharply, his tone cold and furious. "I'm not interested in anything she does."