Goodbye, Mr. Regret

He could come across as rather aloof, but Timothy was always polite and

courteous-his manners impeccable.

Jessica had been his wife for seven years, after all. If he treated his subordinates with such respect, he was hardly going to be anything less to her.

She really shouldn't let minor things get under her skin so easily.

Timothy found Ines in the lounge. She was busy preparing notes for her upcoming presentation about the exhibition pieces, but when she saw him, she set her work aside, stood up with a bright smile, and invited him to sit down.

After all, he was Jessica's husband.

"President Lawson, you really do make the effort. You even came all the way here for the Capital City exhibition," Ines said warmly.

"Ines, you're too kind. I actually have something I need to discuss with you today." Ines smiled knowingly. "Is this about Sheila?"

"Conversations with you are always effortless," Timothy replied with a faint grin.

He took out his phone and cast a design drawing onto the lounge's large screen. "Ines, this is one of Sheila's pieces. I'd appreciate your professional feedback." Timothy kept a close eye on Ines's expression.

She reacted just as he'd predicted.

There was a flash of interest in her eyes, though it faded almost instantly.

Timothy continued, "She may not meet your standards for natural talent, but she works harder than anyone I've seen. Ines, as a professional animation mentor, I think you can sense her sincerity in her work."

Hard work and determination can often make up for a lack of innate ability.

So far, it seemed Ines simply hadn't found a student who truly impressed her.

Prodigies don't come along every day.

That meant Sheila's chances had just improved considerably.noveldrama

Ines looked away from the screen, a gentle smile on her lips. "It's clear you're determined to help Sheila seize this opportunity, President Lawson. But there's something I'd like to ask you."

"Of course, go ahead."

"Do you know who created that animated version of 'The Grand Canal, Venice' I gave your son?"

Timothy's refined features tensed ever so slightly.

He tried to read between the lines, but couldn't quite pin down Ines's meaning. "Wasn't it one of your star pupils?"

Ines lowered her gaze with a soft laugh. Apparently, Jessica really had given up her career after marriage-her own husband had no idea about her work.

"Yes, a student I was very proud of." She paused, then added, "Last time I visited your home, I didn't get to see your wife. That was a shame. Has she been a full- time homemaker since the wedding?"

Timothy wasn't sure why Ines was bringing up Jessica, but he answered politely, "Yes, her situation is a bit unique. If she went out to work, it would be much harder for her than for most people. I make enough for the family-she'll never want for anything."

Clearly, Timothy had no intention of asking Jessica to work.

"There's nothing wrong with Sheila's work, really. And since you've made such a heartfelt recommendation, it would seem ungracious to turn her down outright. How about this: you once mentioned that your son learned paper-cutting from his mother. I'm genuinely impressed by her craft. Could you arrange for me to meet her? After I've spoken with her, I'll let you know my decision about Sheila." Timothy was a little puzzled. "Ines, what does meeting my wife have to do with you accepting Sheila as a student?"

"Oh, it's very much connected. You'll understand once we meet."

Timothy was never one to leave a question unanswered. "Alright then. She's here in Capital City as well—I'll arrange for you two to meet as soon as possible."