Timothy arched a brow. "When are you finally going to drop that nasty habit? You''re the eldest daughter of the Lawson family—can''t you act like it? Why do you keep calling her ''the mute''? She''s my wife, for God''s sake. What''s there to hide?"


    Sallie stared at Timothy in silence for a moment before replying slowly, "You''ve been so protective of hertely... Are you starting to care about her?"


    Timothy paused, his expression unreadable. "Can''t you see she''s been causing a scely? Or do you want me to get a divorce?"


    She was back in town. If Timothy got divorced, there was no guarantee old feelings with She wouldn''t re up again. Sallie would rather see Timothy stay with that quiet woman than ever go back to She.


    Her lips trembled as she spoke. "Of course I don''t want that. But you don''t have to announce her identity to everyone. And don''t me me for calling her mute-she is mute, isn''t she? Besides, she''s been acting out, making trouble for you this whole time. I''m angry."


    "Enough. Whatever''s between me and her is none of your business. If you don''t want to see me get divorced, then treat her with some respect."


    Sallie didn''t say another word, just turned and walked away.


    After leaving Zimmerman Manor, Jessica sent Vince a message letting him know she had something to take care of and was leaving early.


    Vince, reading her text, made his way to the restrooms and found Timothy still standing by thedies'' room door.


    "Timothy, where''s Jessica?"


    "She hasn''te out yet."


    Vince moved as if to head inside, but Timothy caught his arm. "What do you think you''re doing? That''s thedies'' room!"


    "Jessica just texted me. She said she had to leave."


    Timothy released him and strode into the restroom, pushing open both stalls. Jessica was nowhere to be found.


    Vince, worried Jessica might still be inside, didn''t dare go in after him.


    Timothy noticed the bathroom window was wide open, looking out over an empty courtyard.


    His face darkened.


    He stepped out of the restroom.


    Vince hurried over. "Where is she?"


    "She''s gone."


    Vince muttered, "How did this happen? My grandfather was about to announce her as his goddaughter. She was supposed to be the star of the show-and now she''s vanished. How''s he going to make the announcement?"


    Timothy snapped, clearly annoyed. "Vince, what''s wrong with you? If you want topete with me, do it on your own merits. Dragging your grandfather into it- what kind of man does that make you?"


    "What are you talking about? How am I dragging my grandfather into anything, orpeting with you?"


    Jessica''s papercut artwork had really touched his grandfather. Vince could tell Jessica wasn''t exactly wee in the Lawson family, being mute and all. He just wanted to help her out-and, maybe, see what Timothy''s true feelings were. How did that suddenly be a rivalry?


    "You know exactly what I mean," Timothy shot back, turning to leave. "Timothy, wait-"


    But Timothy was already gone, leaving Vince with no chance to exin.


    Larkin had wanted to make Jessica his goddaughter, but that would, of course, depend on her agreement. He''d been waiting for news from Vince, only to hear that Jessica had left unexpectedly.


    So the matter was dropped, for now.


    Even so, Larkin told Vince, "See if you can invite her over again tomorrow. I''ve prepared a little gift for her."


    "I''ll check in with her a bitter," Vince replied.


    The birthday celebration at the Zimmerman estate continued, but both Timothy


    and Jessica had already slipped away.


    Without Timothy around, She found the party dull and, when the time was right, quietly took her leave as well.