Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Sheila froze.

A paternity test? Timothy was doing a paternity test?

But for whom?

Surely not for Henry. Anyone with eyes could see the resemblance-Henry looked so much like Timothy that no test was needed to prove they were father and son.

So who was it for?

Her mind was spinning with questions as she carried a plate of fruit into the living room.

Timothy had just finished his cigarette. He maneuvered his electric wheelchair through the doorway.

"Dad, Mom, have some fruit," he said, rolling up to the dining table.

Sheila glanced at him. He was distracted, eyes glued to his phone, a flicker of excitement playing across his face.

She called out, "Timothy, come have some fruit!”

"I'll pass. I need to head out," he replied, already motioning for the housekeeper to call the driver.

After sharing some fruit with Timothy's parents, Sheila made her own excuse about work and slipped out.

That text message—she remembered the hospital's name was in the header.

Sheila drove straight there, making her way to the genetics center. Timothy, being in a wheelchair, would move a little slower, so she figured she wouldn't be far behind. Sure enough, as she entered the center, she saw Timothy at the reception, receiving a sealed envelope.

He tore it open in a hurry, his hands trembling.

A tight, unreadable look crossed Timothy's face as he stared at the results. He was completely stunned.

Jessica and Vince were siblings?

But they were only a year apart-how was that possible?

Jessica had never mentioned not being her parents' biological child. If she

weren't, surely she would've known. It was impossible to believe.

"Timothy."

Sheila stepped into the hallway.

Startled, Timothy paused, quickly tucking the report out of sight.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone guarded.

She glanced at the papers in his hand. "Is that a paternity test?” He shot back, "Why are you here?"

"One of my old classmates works in admin here. She wanted to see me," Sheila replied, her eyes darting back to the envelope. In a low voice, she added, "Timothy, there's no need to doubt Henry. Anyone could tell he's your son. Don't do something foolish-if Jessy finds out, she won't be happy.”

Timothy frowned. "You think I'd seriously need a test to know my own son? I'm not that clueless."

"My mistake, I'm sorry, don't be upset," Sheila said quickly, backing away. "I should go—my friend's waiting for me."

Timothy didn't explain whose test it was, which only deepened Sheila's concern. She headed toward the admin wing, her mind racing.

Who else would need a paternity test lately?

Suddenly, she remembered that night at the Red House, when Yates mentioned Vince's return. Vince was looking for his long-lost sister and had asked Timothy for help.

Could it be that there'd been news about Vince's sister?

Sheila bit her lip, lost in thought.

When they were kids, Vince's little sister was once engaged to Yates in a family arrangement. She used to follow Timothy around everywhere, always declaring that she'd marry him when she grew up.

Sheila had gone to great lengths to trick that little girl into bringing a birthday cake

to Timothy, hoping she'd annoy him.

She never imagined that Vince's sister would disappear that day.

Timothy had carried the guilt for years, believing it was his fault ske got lost trying to deliver him the cake. He'd always treated the Zimmerman family with extra carenoveldrama

because of it.

The Zimmermans, knowing Timothy never celebrated his birthday, never blamed

him.

But Timothy still felt responsible for Vince's sister's disappearance, no matter how many times Vince pushed his limits.