Lost Me Gained Regret

Christine took a long breath before she finally came to terms with the news, "You know what I say, it's all about the silver lining. You've had your share of tough times, and now even the universe seems to be making it up to you."

"Fingers crossed!"

I let out a sigh, "Dr. Thompson's assistant also texted me, Grandma's recovering faster than we expected. She might be ready to leave the hospital in a couple of days."

"Isn't that great? Why do you sound so unenthusiastic?"

"It's just... too much good news all at once."

I cracked a smile. "Makes me worry if it's too good to be true."

I suppose I've never been the optimist.

Growing up, I was used to not having much. Now that things are looking up, I can't help but feel anxious about it.

Christine, on the other hand, has always had a better outlook than me. She poked my forehead, "No use worrying about things that haven't happened yet."

"You're right."

I nodded, agreeing that I should adjust my attitude. But the unease in my heart didn't fade away.

Luckily, Ivy came to pick me up not long after, successfully distracting me.

Christine was about to make me over when Ivy laughed, "It's still early, no need to fuss. Your mom arranged for a stylist to come to Cloud Villas this afternoon to get you ready."

I was startled, "That sounds... really unnecessary."

"It's not." Ivy chuckled. "Besides, this is just a regular day for your mom. So, you really shouldn't feel any pressure over it."

I couldn't argue, so I just gratefully said, "Okay, thanks, Ivy."

Before we left, Ivy, knowing Christine was my best friend, invited her to Cloud Villas as well, to join the dinner party. Christine quickly declined. "I'll pass."

I looked at her, thinking she was just being shy, "Why? Come with me, Chris..."

"One of my best friend's most important moments, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Christine smiled mysteriously, "But, I have other plans."

A realization struck me, "You're planning to go with Mr. Richards, aren't you?"

The Richards family was another prominent name in Maplewood, and Derek Richards would definitely be on the guest list.

Christine dodged the question, pushing me out the door, "Stop dawdling, go meet Ms. Tayler!"

On the way to Cloud Villas, I noticed my last message to Gregory was still from last night. I couldn't resist texting him.

"Did you have breakfast? How's everything going?"

No reply.

Worried, I was about to call him when a news alert popped up.

Johnson Enterprises' latest M398 chip, launched two months ago, was accused of patent infringement by. the patent, holder, demanding an immediate halt. This chip was a major investment for Johnson Enterprises, and halting now could mean a huge financial loss and potential cash flow issues.

The timing was too coincidental, hitting right as Gregory returned to the helm of Johnson Enterprises.

My heart sank, and I stopped myself from calling, not wanting to distract him.

He needed to focus on resolving these issues.

Arriving at Cloud Villas, Bella noticed my distraction, "Jane, is it about Johnson Enterprises' news?"

"Yeah." I clenched my hands. "Mom... I'm worried about him."

Gregory was just finding his footing at Johnson Enterprises, and this could be a huge setback.

Bella suggested, "Have you tried calling him?"

"No..."Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.

I bit my lip. "I don't want to disturb him."

e

"With everything going on, he's probably in back-to-back meetings. If he's too busy, he won't answer, and you're not disturbing him. But if he does answer, hearing his voice might reassure you. Better than worrying here."

That made sense. "I'll give him a call then."

"Go ahead."

819

Bella smiled knowingly, patting my head, "I'll go get your soup; it should be ready."

"Thanks, Mom!"

I dialed Gregory's number, half-expecting it to go unanswered, but to my surprise, he picked up.

His voice, slightly hoarse and weary, came through, "Jane, missed me?"

Bella wasn't far, and though she couldn't hear, I felt my cheeks heat up, diving straight into the reason I called, "Did you see my text? Are you

PS ne