StartNovelChapter 80
Ines offered a gentle smile.
"So, President Lawson, I'm a little curious-what exactly is your relationship with Sheila?"
Inside the storage room, Jessica's expression clouded. She was just as interested in hearing how Timothy would
explain himself.
"She's my aunt," Timothy replied.
Jessica's fingers curled tightly. So, her suspicions were right after all.
In fact, Ines had seen the video footage of Timothy and Sheila being stopped by
the paparazzi. He'd given the exact sanswer to the press then.
"Didn't expect your aunt to be so young?" Ines teased, arching a brow.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
"She is," Timothy said calmly. "We were born on the sday."
Jessica's face went rigid.
For seven years, Timothy never spent his birthday at home. The first year, he'd been away on business, and
Jessica missed her chance to celebrate with him. The second year, she'd tried to plan ahead, asking him to keep
the day free so she could be with him. Like any woman in love, she cared about these special occasions-she'd
waited hopefully.
But Timothy had been cold, telling her not to trouble herself over his birthday. After that, Jessica never brought it
up again.
Every year, when Timothy's birthday caround, she'd wait until Henry was asleep. Then, quietly, she would
bake a cake, write a little birthday wish, light the candles, and sing "Happy Birthday" alone in the kitchen. Since
Timothy never celebrated, she stopped celebrating her own birthday too.
Ines paused, considering. "Letthink it over."
"All right," Timothy said. "I'll wait for your good news."
The care Timothy showed for Sheila was obvious-even Ines, the renowned mentor, seemed a little swayed. After
all, she'd refused him at first, but now she was willing to reconsider. That was a shift.
Jessica didn't find it surprising. Ines was a giant in the animation world, but Timothy had serious financial clout.
And when Timothy wanted something, he always found a way to make it happen. If Ines was hesitating, Jessica
understood -it made sense. Offending someone like Timothy could only hurt Ines's career and ideals.
That afternoon, Jessica went online to look up the latest news in animation. Sheila had been involved in quite a
few projects, sof them classics, and had even worked closely with the internationally acclaimed director, Mr.
Smith. In their field, Sheila was already at the top of her game. With Timothy's backing and her own talent,
Sheila was more than qualified to be Ines's student.
In the end, though, Ines didn't choose any of the treasures Timothy offered from his collection.
"Ines, you won't accept even a single piece?" Timothy asked, raising an eyebrow.
She declined the check and the gifts-her integrity was clear. The more Ines stood her ground, the more Timothy
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmfound her a challenge. But that only made him respect her more as a mentor for Sheila.
"Just giveone of Henry's cut-paper illustrations," Ines said with a smile. "I really like his work."
"Of course," Timothy agreed.
Jessica felt a prickle of tears in her eyes. Her mentor hadn't given up on her after all.
She listened as footsteps faded down the hallway, but she stayed frozen in the lounge, unable to move for a long
while.
Timothy went to Henry's room, picked out one of his illustrated books, and brought it to Ines.
"Thank you for hosting us tonight, President Lawson. It's getting late-1 won't keep you any longer."
Even though she hadn't seen Jessica, Ines left with a touch of regret.
Her animation exhibitions were always well-publicized; if Jessica was watching, she'd surely know how to find
her.
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