"Don''t think like that. I understand how you feel-and I know why you''re afraid toe to me. Little Mute, no matter how powerful Timothy is, this is a country ofws now. In your marriage, you both have equal rights; he doesn''t get the final say. If you want a divorce, I can help you find an internationalwyer."


    Jessica''s eyelids fluttered with resignation. She responded in signnguage, her gestures measured. "If you want to help me, it still has to be an internationalwyer. Most local attorneys won''t even touch this divorce case. So it isn''t just about whether or not Timothy allows it. No one wants to risk crossing him-the consequences aren''t worth the trouble, no matter how strong our case is. Everyone knows that. Why drag yourself into these dangerous waters?"


    Even if Herbert found her an internationalwyer, it would be the same as openly defying Timothy.


    Last time, Herbert had merely tried to introduce her to awyer, and Mrs. Reynolds had shown up at her door not long after.


    It was obvious: Timothy had the power to threaten The Wheeler Group.


    Pull one thread, and the whole fabric unravels.


    It wasn''t about whether Jessica trusted Herbert or not. This failed marriage was her own mess-there was no need to drag someone else down with her.


    Herbert felt a sudden urge to confess how he truly felt about Jessica.


    But logic kept him in check; now wasn''t the time. Saying anything would only drive her farther away.


    After a long silence, he finally spoke. "You''re just too kind. Even when you''re trapped, you''re still worrying about everyone else. After what happenedst time, I told my father: if Timothy ever targets The Wheeler Group because I helped you find a divorcewyer, I''ll take full responsibility. No one else will pay for my choice."


    He was ready—if it came to it-to leave the Wheeler family behind.


    He wasn''t afraid of Timothy.


    But Little Mute was still trying to protect him.


    "You don''t have to risk everything for me," she signed.


    If she let him get involved, Jessica knew she''d never be able to face him again.


    Herbert looked at her seriously. "Don''t you want a divorce?"


    Jessica dropped her gaze.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t want it.


    She''d wanted it for a long time.


    But if Timothy refused, how could she possibly fight him?


    She''d even considered going to Vince. At least Vince wasn''t afraid to stand up to Timothy.


    But could she really negotiate with Vince? And would he be willing to risk his own rtionship with Timothy for her sake?


    Still, if she could get Vince''s help, it wouldn''t put him in real danger-the Lawson and Zimmerman families had a unique rtionship, and Vince and Timothy were friends. Timothy wouldn''t go for Vince''s throat.


    Jessica steadied herself, then


    looked up and managed a small, forced smile. She signed, "Let me try to figure something out first.df I can''t find a way, I''lle to you."


    Herbert didn''t press her. Since Jessica had decided not to return to her hometown, they drove back together to Riverside City.


    He could tell she was serious about the divorce.


    She didn''t hide the fact that she''d left The Gilded Whisper Estates either, asking


    Herbert to drop her at the gate of her new apartmentplex.


    Herbert, sensing her mood, didn''t ask any more questions.


    As Jessica got out of the car, she


    said quietly, "Today''s the


    Thanksgiving Day. It''s getting


    vel


    dinner with your family."


    "What about you? Are you going to be alone?" Herbert''s voice was tight with


    concern.


    She had a husband. She had a son.


    Yet on a night meant for family and togetherness, she was by herself.


    He wanted, more than anything, to stay with her tonight.


    Just then, both their phones rang at the same time.