Chapter 17
Timothy had grown up surrounded by elite education. His manners and bearing always set him apart from the crowd. Naturally, he held the utmost respect for a teacher as esteemed as Ines.
“Ines, I understand where you’re coming from. If Sheila doesn’t meet your standards for students, I won’t insist. But since you care so deeply about animation and want to give back to this field, surely you wouldn’t mind sharing your wisdom with younger people who share your passion.“}
…E
Jessica left the gallery and paused outside, standing before a large display board advertising the traveling exhibition. She scanned the QR code with her phone, curious about the upcoming tour dates.”
As she read, she overheard snippets of conversation from people leaving after her.”
“I still wonder who that woman was–the one who ‘married for love. Ines mentioned her again just now while talking about the other pieces. She seemed genuinely regretful.”
“Right? If I had that kind of talent, and Ines believed in me, who would care about love? I’d be all in for my career. Men can’t be relied on the way money or work can.” “Exactly. If her love story turned out happy, fine, but to give up a future like that? It’s just not worth it.”
Jessica’s lips lost all color.
Meanwhile, Timothy emerged from the lounge with Ines at his side.”
Ines signaled for an assistant to carefully remove The Grand Canal, Venice from the wall.
“Mr. Lawson, I’ll have the painting delivered to your home,” she said.”
timothy
Timothy immediately took a check for three million from his briefcase and handed it to her.
Ines frowned slightly. only agreed to part with this because your son’s animation paper cutouts reminded me so much of my former student’s style. Otherwise, no amount of money could persuade me.“8
“I apologize,” Timothy replied.
He tucked the check away and added, “Thank you for your generosity, Ines. I won’t keep you any longer. If you ever need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out.” He turned to leave, but Ines called after him.”
“Yes, Ines? Is there something else?“!
She hesitated, then shook her head. “No, nothing. Goodbye.”
In truth, her mind was still on Henry. But in a family like the Lawsons, Henry’s fate was already sealed–he would one day inherit The Lawson Group.
Timothy walked over to where Sheila stood with Henry, lifted his son into his arms, and continued exploring the exhibition.
Ines watched them go, regret flickering in her eyes.”
Jessica returned to her hotel, packed her bags, and caught a flight back to Riverside City.
Azurehaven was a small town without its own airport; she’d had to fly into Riverside City instead.
No sooner had she landed than her phone rang again. It was Mabel.
For days, Mabel had been trying to reach her. Jessica had assumed Mabel wanted to talk about Henry, so she’d ignored the calls. Now that Timothy and Henry were both in Oakwood, Mabel’s call must be about something else.”
Unable to speak and knowing she couldn’t explain over the phone anyway, Jessica simply hailed a cab straight to The Gilded Whisper Estates.
The moment she walked in, Mabel rushed to her and grabbed her hands.
“Ma’am, thank goodness you’re back! Sir and young master went to Oakwood to find that woman, Sheila. I haven’t been able to get hold of you for days. You have to do something–if you don’t…”
She trailed off, not daring to finish the thought.”
Jessica gave a faint smile and typed a message on her phone.}
“You’ve been trying to reach me all this time just to tell me this?“}
Mabel nodded, then seemed to remember something urgent and hurried Jessica into the master bedroom.
“Ma’am, after sir and young master left, I came in to tidy up and noticed your wedding photo was gone.”
Jessica looked at the empty spot where the photo used to hang.
Her heart felt just as empty.
It was clear now–Sheila truly mattered to Timothy.
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