NovelEndChapter 73
"What are you two plotting over there? Cooking up sshady business?"
Herbert was furious, but Jessica firmly pushed him out the door before he could protest.
Not wanting to make things harder for her, Herbert kept his mouth shut. As he brushed past Sallie, he shot her a
brief, indifferent glance.
Sallie crossed her arms and let out a cold snort.
This guy's got guts, she thought. The nerve to look atlike that.
If she weren't set on dealing with Jessica, she would've dragged Herbert outside for a one-on-one.
After Herbert left, Sallie narrowed her eyes at Jessica, her voice icy. "Coutside. We need to talk."
Jessica didn't hesitate, stepping forward as Sallie stormed ahead.
Once outside The Silverthread Eatery, Jessica slid into the passenger seat of Sallie's sports car.
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Sallie floored the gas, taking Jessica straight to her upscale downtown apartment.
She ordered the housekeeper to bring two cups of coffee, then sat down beside Jessica, legs crossed, exuding
superiority.
"So," Sallie demanded, "what's going on between you and that guy?"
Jessica typed quickly on her phone: Childhood neighbors.
Even if she was considering divorce from Timothy, she wasn't about to drag Herbert into this.
Sure, Herbert cfrom a good family, but in Riverside City, who in their right mind would cross Timothy?
"What a noble answer. Do you think I'm blind? He's so protective of you, even knows sign language. Who learns
sign language unless it's for someone special? | have to say, you're full of surprises. A mute, but apparently quite
the charmer."
The insult stung. Even Jessica's usually calm demeanor cracked as she jabbed furiously at her phone.
Don't you dare slander me. Herbert and I really are just childhood neighbors. If you don't believe me, go check
for yourself!
Sallie read the reply, then met Jessica's determined gaze, lips curling into a mocking smile. "As if you'd have the
guts! You're married with a child now, Jessica. Next time, don't letcatch you getting so close with another
man. | only caught you by accident-if someone else had seen, how do you think Timothy would look?"
Of course.
For people like the Lawsons-face was everything.
She, a woman with a disability, got only the barest shred of respect from them.
But suddenly, Jessica felt a surge of courage she hadn't known she possessed. She typed out, His pride has
nothing to do with me. Can't | have a friend, a neighbor? Am | supposed to spend my whole life clinging to
Timothy and Henry, never allowed to be myself?
"What are you talking about?" Sallie scoffed. "You're a stay-at-hwife. Who else are you supposed to cling to
if not your husband and son? Don't test my patience, Jessica, or I'll tell Timothy everything."
Jessica's reply cfast: Do whatever you want!
She was done holding back.
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If Timothy wanted to make trouble, she'd face it herself.
There was nothing improper between her and Herbert, and she wasn't going to let them drag her nthrough
the mud.
"You-!"
Sallie was so angry she shot to her feet, hands trembling.
Jessica stood too, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door.
"Jessica! Don't you dare walk away from me!"
But Jessica had already opened the door and strode out.
Sallie paced the living room, chest heaving with rage, before finally snatching up her phone and dialing Timothy.
The call barely connected before she blurted, "Timothy, Jessica—"
"Don't mention her to me!" Timothy cut her off sharply, his tone cold and furious. "I'm not interested in anything
she does."
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