That moment did make Mr. Smith pause and reconsider, if only a little.


    Ines wanted to speak up for Jessica Greene, so she continued, "Today was quite an unusual situation. Once you''ve had time to recover from jetg and get some rest, if your schedule allows, I''d like to bring her to apologize to you in person. She truly is eager to be part of your film project."


    Kane Sutton scoffed, unable to help himself. "But isn''t there already a talented animation producer right here? Mr. Smith, why bother waiting for someone who doesn''t keep their promises?"


    A tinge of embarrassment passed across Ines''s face.


    She Howard gave Kane''s sleeve a gentle tug and said seriously, "Kane, you don''t know much about the animation industry. It''s not right to make careless remarks."


    Seeing that everyone had arrived, Vince Zimmerman signaled to the waiter to start bringing out the food.


    Timothy Lawson, who had already promised She he''d help her secure a spot in Mr. Smith''s new film, naturally didn''t want the role to go to anyone else. With a faint, knowing smile, he added, "Kane may not know animation, but he''s not entirely wrong. If someone can''t honor theirmitments, it does make you question their work ethic."


    Seated between Mr. Smith and Timothy, Ines could only listen as they all misunderstood Jessica. She wanted to rify that the person she was bringing was actually Timothy''s wife, but before she could speak, Timothy continued, "Mr. Smith just arrived in Riverside City. Tonight''s dinner is to wee him-let''s not get bogged down with heavy work talk. Why don''t we keep things light for now?"


    He was looking out for Mr. Smith''sfort-after all, nobody wants to talk business right after a long flight.


    So Ines held her tongue. Maybe it was for the best. Too many voices at once can muddy anyone''s judgment. She''d wait until Mr. Smith had some downtime, then exin everything to him one-on-one.


    Jessica returned to The Gilded Whisper Estates.


    Henry Lawson was sprawled on the living room couch, glued to a cartoon on TV.


    Jessica had read up on She''s work online-this very cartoon starred a character She had created.


    She was even the voice behind the main character. ording to her bio, she''d studied voice acting in college, determined to breathe life into her creations and express her understanding of her characters more fully.


    Henry let out a sigh of admiration. “I can''t believe Miss She is not only so great at making cartoons, but her voice acting is amazing, too. She''s just so talented. I wish my mom could be that awesome."


    Completely absorbed in the show, Henry didn''t notice Jessicaing in.


    Mabel emerged from the kitchen, spotted Jessica, and quickly called out, "Ma''am!"


    Henry whipped his head around at the sound. There was Jessica, standing by the sofa, her face unreadable. Instantly, Henry''s mood crashed.


    Back then, if she sensed he was upset, she''d rush over, fuss over him, worry, and try to make things better.


    He''d nearly thrown himself out the window, and now she was acting this cold?


    Annoyed, Henry rolled his eyes and muttered, "Mom,e watch cartoons with me."


    Jessica walked over to him, and Henry thought, Maybe she still cares after all.


    It was their old routine-after dinner, she''d sit and watch cartoons with him.


    His sulky expression eased a little.


    But then Jessica''s face stayed stony, and she began to question him with a stern gesture.