Chapter 78
“That’s right. I haven’t seen her, so I’m not sure what’s happened. She spent the aftemoon in the study–I didn’t see her come out at all. Timothy glanced around the study, his eyes shadowed with concem.
Ines was still here, and as host, he couldn’t afford to neglect his guest
Jessica’s situation could wait!
He told Mabel to search the house and then went to invite Ines to dinner
Ines took the seat opposite him at the table. Timothy’s sharp features were set in an unreadable expression as he looked over the dishes. He recognized them instantly–takeout from The Silverthread Eatery
“Mr. Lawson, is your wife not home?” Ines asked, her tone gentle
Timothy lifted his gaze. “She’s usually here. Perhaps she stepped out for a walk?
He’d had the staff keep an eye on things; she wasn’t likely to have left the property. Most likely, she was somewhere in the house and Mabel would find her soon. “Maybe you should call her? Invite her down to join us?” Ines suggested.
“Of course
Bun Jessica had blocked his number–still hadn’t unblocked him. That afternoon, he’d resorted to texting her using Secretary Allen’s personal phone? They’d been at odds lately
Timothy had no desire to let outsiders see evidence of marital discord. He dialed her number anyway, for form’s sake.
Her phone’s off. She’s rely out, often forgets to charge it. Why don’t we start eating?“”
“She’s the lady of the house. Wouldn’t it be inappropriate not to wait for her? Ines hesitated, sensing something was off.
“She keeps her own schedule. She’ll join us later. If we wait any longer, everything will get cold, Timothy replied.!!
Henry had intented Jessica’s gifts
Jessica and Timothy had been married for seven years. Henry was six–bom soon after the wedding. That suggested their marriage was strong Rumors said Timothy protected his wife fiercely.
Jessica couldn’t speak, if people found out, they’d only gossip that she wasn’t good enough for Timothy. He must have private.E
She shouldn’t read too much into things. Perhaps Timoth
Timothy simply knew Jessica’s routines well and wasn’t worried
Ines smiled, “Alright, let’s eat while we wait for her.“2
cared for her deeply, Ines thought, to keep her
Meanwhile, Mabal had searched every room in the house, but there was no sign of Jessica. As she returned downstairs, she saw Timothy and his guest chatting amiably. She didn’t dare interrupt
He didn’t seem all that worried about finding Mrs. Lawson, either
Sigh
y out of sight–was she hiding on
Normally, when there were guests, Mr. Lawson would have his wife keep her distance. Maybe Jessica had already been told to stay purpose? Timothy had checked in on her, but perhaps that was only for show in front of the guest
Mabel couldn’t help feeling sorry for Jessica !!
No wonder Mrs. Lawson had become distant toward her husband and son lately. After waiting all these years, and Timothy still refusing to acknowledge her publicly. it was no surprise the might be hurt–tired of making sacrifices.
Mabel went back to her chores, deciding shed simply report Jessica missing if asked
The meal was ready finished, and Jessica still hadn’t appeared X
As ines was about to bring it up, Timothy spoke first, Last time, you gave Henry such a generous gift. Since you’re here today. Id like to return the favor–please don’t
refuse 1
Timothy always spoke with a certain gravitas, and his words made sense
The future of animation needed not only talent but investment to three. He’d been the sole backer of her exhibition, and, after all,
all, he was Jessica’s hi
husband.
