The hospital room was empty except for Phelps.


    Timothy''s face immediately changed.


    "Where is she?"


    "She''s been discharged."


    Phelps pushed himself up with his cane.


    Without hesitation, Timothy pulled out his phone and dialed She''s number.


    It rang, but no one answered.


    Timothy nced up, meeting Phelps''s calm, unwavering gaze.


    "She was only back in the country for a few days. What could she possibly have done to offend you?"


    Phelps walked over and gently patted Timothy''s shoulder. "Timothy, your


    grandfather was hospitalized. The call came to me, so I came to let her know. She


    left in a hurry after that. That''s all. I didn''t say anything else."


    A vein pulsed on Timothy''s forehead. He turned on his heel and strode out, heading straight for the airport.


    Phelps made his way to Henry''s room.


    Inside, Sallie and Henry sat across from each other, locked in a silent staring contest.


    "Is Henry feeling better?" Phelps asked with genuine concern.


    Sallie replied, "The doctor just checked on him. He''s much improved. Still coughs


    a bit, but nothing serious. He''s been prescribed some medication and is cleared to go home."


    "Good. Let''s go, then. Time to head home." Phelps reached out cheerfully to take Henry''s hand.


    But Henry pulled away, lifting his head, his dark eyes shining like polished stones as he looked up at Phelps.


    "What about Miss She?"


    Phelps smiled gently. "Your great-grandfather''s ill. She''s gone home to see him."


    "Will shee back?" Henry''s question was urgent.


    Sallie looked like she might lose her temper.


    But Phelps remained patient. "Once your great-grandfather''s feeling better, she''lle back."


    Only then did Henry willingly reach for Phelps''s hand.


    At the airport, Timothy scanned the crowd, searching desperately for She.


    It took him a while to spot her emerging from the restroom, heading toward security.


    He hurried over.


    She saw him and paused, startled. "Timothy? What are you doing here?"


    "Your grandfather''s sick?"


    She nodded. "I just called home. The housekeeper said he took a nasty fall, it''s serious. He''s still in the hospital. I have to go."


    She didn''t mention Phelps and Sallieing to find her.


    "I''lle with you. We can see your grandfather together."


    "It''s fine, really. I can go on my own. You and Jessica are still on the outs. If she


    won''te home, what about Henry?"


    "She''s back," Timothy said.


    He knew Jessica doted on him. He''d already coaxed her, even promised a wedding photoshoot. She was sure to stay put.


    Jessica was indeed at home.


    She had thought about leaving-but until the divorce was finalized, where could she go? Whether she returned to her hometown or checked into a hotel, Timothy could find her any time he wanted. She could only wait at home for Timothy to return and finalize the divorce.


    Phelps and Sallie brought Henry back to The Gilded Whisper Estates.


    Seeing Jessica at home, they finally rxed.


    Sallie smiled at Henry. "Go see your mother."


    But Henry walked over to Phelps instead, looking up at him. "Is Miss She gone because Mom came back? Is great-grandpa''s illness just made up?"


    Jessica''s fingers froze.


    She had left? Great-grandpa was sick? Could She really be Timothy''s aunt?


    Her own son actually believed She left because of her, and doubted the story about great-grandpa''s illness.


    Sallie snapped, "Henry, what nonsense are you talking about? You should remember who your mother is."