Goodbye, Mr. Regret

Yates stared, dumbfounded, at the scene unfolding before him.

Was Vince actually standing up for Jessica? Now that was something-such a generous spirit.

Even though it was obvious Vince had feelings for Jessica, he still accepted her being with Herbert. Yates couldn't help but admire him, genuinely impressed. Meanwhile, Timothy's brow was furrowed in frustration. He'd only been trying to help Sheila―Jessica was a natural talent who didn't need any of this.

Did Vince really have to lose his temper over it?

Still, having managed to anger his brother-in-law once again, Timothy felt his chest tighten with anxiety.

Noticing the tension in Timothy's expression, Yates piped up, "Well, I've got something else to take care of. I'll head out first."

With that, he hurried off and caught up with Vince in the parking garage.

"Seriously, what was with that outburst back there? Timothy looked like he'd seen a ghost."

Vince scoffed, "Let him. I'm not here to cater to his feelings. No wonder even a woman who can't speak ended up marrying above her station with him-only to want a divorce anyway. Married for seven years, kid's already six, and he still can't keep things clean with Sheila."

"You can't look at it that way," Yates replied. "Sheila's his first love, his one that got away. He risked everything to marry his own aunt, after all. It's not like they broke up because they stopped loving each other. If he can't get over his old flame, who can blame him? And you acting like you've got your eye on his wife-what's he supposed to feel? We're all friends here. Who he loves is his business. Why get so worked up? Seriously, you've got too much free time."

In their circle, men juggling double lives was hardly shocking—especially in Yates's world, where he'd seen it all in the film industry.

As long as Timothy could keep things balanced, what did it matter? Sheila and Timothy would just have to keep their affair under wraps; one woman in public, one in private-wasn't exactly uncommon.

Not Yates's problem, anyway.

He kept trying to talk Vince down. "Don't let this get to you. It's his private life, and interfering will just mess up your friendship. It's not worth it."

Vince shot Yates a look. "So what, you jealous that he's got the perfect wife at home and a mistress on the side?"

Yates rolled his eyes. “What are you talking about? Jealous-please. Guys like us, the so-called 'good ones,' barely have any women around Look outside our little circle-most guys have more than one. Forget a mistress, some have two, three, or more."

Just then, Vince's phone buzzed.

It was Jessica calling.

Since she couldn't speak, she hung up and sent a text instead.

[Are you there?]

[Yeah, I'm here.]

[I need a favor. A friend's film is almost finished, and they're looking for distribution

contacts. I figured you might have some connections.]

A few days ago, Carlisle had called Jessica, hoping she could help him find a theater chain for his movie. Jessica had meant to reach out to Vince but that maniac Timothy had shown up at her place straight from his hospital bed, completely throwing her off and making her forget all about it.

[I've got connections. I'll help you as soon as I can.]

[Thanks so much.]

The distribution contact Jessica needed was standing right next to Vince. As he finished his reply and turned to tell Yates, Yates's own phone rang.noveldrama

It was his assistant.

"Mr. Bryant, about that animated film

you were interested in-Director Carlisle won't give us the exclusive distribution rights. He says someone else already put in twenty-five million."

Yates let out a cold laugh. "If he won't let me distribute it exclusively, and he still

thinks his film will make it to theaters? He's dreaming."