Although Vince had bought Jessica''s paper cuttings, giving her enough money to avoid returning to The Gilded Whisper Estates and enduring Timothy''s moods, she didn''t feel grateful in the way people might expect. Yes, he''d done her a huge favor. But she had no intention of badmouthing Timothy in front of Vince.


    After all, she''d chosen this path herself; whatever went wrong, she was willing to shoulder the consequences. Besides, she wasn''t the type to gossip, especially about things that were messy and best left unsaid. She and Vince weren''t close enough to spill personal grievances anyway.


    Vince was Timothy''s friend. In time, he''d find out the real reasons for the divorce. When it came to She, Vince probably knew more than Jessica did.


    "Every family has its own troubles," she replied with a single line, exining her decision to leave.


    Vince could tell she didn''t want to borate, so he didn''t press.


    After breakfast, Jessica waved goodbye to Vince and caught a cab on her own, heading to Herbert''s hospital.


    Herbert worked in the Neurology Department at Verdant Grove Healing, part of The Wheeler Group.


    When Jessica arrived at his office, Herbert immediately pulled out a chair for her. He was wearing a white coat and a stethoscope hung around his neck; a few strands of hair fell across his forehead, giving him a crisp, professional look. The gold-rimmed sses made him seem even moreposed and capable.


    Anyone who hadn''t known him as a streetwise kid always getting into fights would never have guessed he''d grow into such an aplished man.


    After slipping on a pair of disposable gloves and sanitizing hisryngoscope, Herbert sat down and said gently, "Alright, Little Mute, open your mouth and let me take a look at your vocal cords."


    Jessica believed in being honest with her doctor-after all, full disclosure was best for treatment. She signed, Actually, when you called me yesterday, I''d just woken from a nightmare. In the dream, I was making sounds, and when I woke up, I tried it out I think I really could make a sound. But when I try, my throat burns and stings.


    Behind his sses, Herbert''s eyes lit up with excitement. "That''s wonderful news. Being able to make any sound at all is a huge step. Considering you haven''t spoken in years, it''s normal for your vocal cords to be sensitive to the vibration. Don''t be afraid. Let me take a look and we''ll go from there."


    Jessica opened her mouth, and Herbert examined her throat with care. When he finished, he put away his tools and exined patiently, "Your vocal cords have atrophied a bit, but it''s nothing serious. If you feel pain, try to speak more softly and gradually build up. I''ll prescribe something to help ease the difort. For now, let''s try some simple vowel sounds. Don''t worry if your voice is quiet-just let me hear."


    Following his instructions, Jessica tried to vocalize.


    "A... o... e..."


    The sounds were faint and broken, every syble a struggle. Her voice was scratchy and weak.


    Herbert immediately poured her a cup of warm water. "Sip this slowly and let it linger in your throat. It''ll help soothe the pain."


    Jessica took tiny sips, letting the warmth ease the burning sensation.


    Herbert lowered his voice, gentle and reassuring. "You lost your speech because of trauma—usually that''s due to neurological factors. The fact that you''re making sounds again means your brain is trying to heal itself. Once you finish your water, I''ll take you for a brain scan. I really believe you''ll recover faster than you think."