Everything had been settled. Even if Jessica was reluctant to return, she had no choice now.
By the time they arrived back at The Gilded Whisper Estates, it was already past midnight.
As fate would have it, Sheila was just stepping out of the house, a suitcase in tow.
"Timothy, Jessica. You're back," Sheila greeted them, a gentle smile on her lips.
Jessica's expression was cold and indifferent. Whatever happened to Sheila had nothing to do with her.
It was Timothy who spoke, his voice neutral. "You're leaving?"
Sheila nodded. "I've been staying at your place these past few days, and I don't want to trouble you any longer. I have to start at Ines's studio tomorrow, and it's a bit far from here. I booked a hotel closer to work."
Timothy's brow furrowed slightly. "What if you have another allergy flare-up?"
He remembered Henry mentioning that Sheila tended to be allergic to hotel bedding, which was why she'd been staying with them in the first place.
Jessica had no patience for any of this. Without a word, she walked towards the house.
Sheila hurried to reassure Timothy, "It's fine, really. You know me—it's just the linens. I've already purchased my own and had them sent to the hotel."
Jessica stepped inside, shutting out the rest of their conversation.
So it was just about the linens. Timothy knew that all along.
A mocking smile played at the corners of Jessica's mouth. Something so simple to fix, yet it had become Timothy's excuse to let Sheila move into The Gilded Whisper Estates.
"I'll have the driver take you," Timothy offered, making no move to persuade Sheila to stay.
Sheila pressed her red lips together and said, "That's not necessary. Besides… Jessica probably minds, considering our history. Maybe you could talk to her, clear things up. I imagine that's why she doesn't like me very much. Honestly, it's my fault for not leaving sooner, making things tense between you two. I feel terrible about it."
Timothy's gaze darkened. "It's not your fault. Don't take it to heart. You'll be working with Ines for a while, and a hotel isn't a long-term solution. Bear with it for a few days. I'll find you somewhere suitable to stay."
Sheila shook her head. "No need, really. I've already contacted a realtor. It's just me, so I'll buy a small apartment for now. Timothy, I'll get going. You should go to Jessica."
With that, she pulled her suitcase behind her and left without looking back.
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