Jessica sat in the back of a cab, texting Ines.


    [On my way. I''ll be there in about ten minutes.]


    [Okay, I''m waiting for you at the hotel entrance.]


    Meanwhile, She, knowing Mr. Smith was something of a wine connoisseur- with a special appreciation for rare vintages—had arranged for the delivery of two bottles of top-tier wine, aged nearly forty years.


    Just then, her phone rang. It was the courier from the vineyard.


    She decided she''d meet the courier herself and told him to wait outside The Silverthread Eatery.


    As she stepped out to the restaurant''s entrance, she was surprised to spot Ines there.


    Ines was ncing around, clearly waiting for someone.


    Suddenly, She recalled what Mr. Smith had said earlier he had two very important friendsing. She''d never met one of them, but apparently both were crucial to him.


    Mr. Smith had never been to Riverside City before, so there was only one logical conclusion: his two important friends were Ines and Jessica.


    She''s expression darkened.


    Still, she forced herself to move forward, feigning surprise as she greeted, "Ines?"


    Ines turned and, upon seeing She, smiled pleasantly. "You''re here for dinner too?"


    She returned the smile. "Timothy and Director Smith have been friends for ages. Timothy picked Mr. Smith up from the airport this time, and he invited a few friends to join them for dinner. I know Mr. Smith as well, so he asked me toe along."


    "Oh, I see. I''m here to meet Mr. Smith too."


    "Excuse me, are you Miss She Howard?" the courier approached, carrying a leather case designed for wine.


    "Yes, that''s me. Thank you," She replied, taking the case from him.


    She turned back to Ines. "I just came down to pick up some wine. Since you''re here for Mr. Smith as well, shall we head up together?"


    "You go ahead," Ines said, ncing at her phone. "I''m waiting for someone."


    She didn''t say Jessica''s name, but She already had a good guess. Still, she smiled and nodded. "Alright, I''ll take the wine up and ask the staff to let it breathe. See you upstairs."


    She walked into The Silverthread Eatery and dialed Henry''s number.


    He answered immediately, recognizing her caller ID.


    "Miss She, Dad said you moved out. Why did you move out? I wanted you to stay so we could have a sleepover, and you could tell me a story tonight."


    "Henry..." She''s voice grew heavier, and she paused before continuing, "It''s not that I don''t want to be with you. But it seems your mom doesn''t like me very much. While I was staying at your house these past few days, she hardly came home. I don''t want to be the reason your mom and dad argue. Henry, could you do me a favor?"


    "But Miss She, that''s just my mom being unreasonable. It''s not your fault. What do you need me to do?"


    "Can you think of a way to get your mom toe home right now? And maybe talk to her ask her to stay at home instead of running around so much. Your dad worries about her. I worry about her too."


    Henry pouted in frustration. "But I don''t want her toe home. She left this morning with a bunch of money, and she wouldn''t even make me breakfast. I''m still mad at her. I don''t want to call her."


    "Henry, sweetheart, do it just for me, please? If your mom neveres home, I really can''t keeping over to stay with you."


    "Miss She, if I get her toe back, will youe see me?"


    Henry still hoped She would be his mom, at least in front of others, so he was willing to help.


    "Yes, if your momes home, I''lle over and talk to her myself. If I did something wrong or upset her, I''ll apologize. Most of all, I just want your family to be happy, Henry. Don''t you miss your mom?"