Chapter 59

“Reese’s just in a bad mood. Don’t take anything she says too seriously.”
She turned to Reese, her face full of apology. “Reese, please don’t mind him. He’s just worried about me.”
Watching them, something clicked in Reese’s mind.
That night with Sebastian-the night everything changed-the drink really had been spiked.
And the only reason she’d gone over to toast Sebastian in the first place was because her uncle had told her to. He’d said it was a chance to get closer to the Ratcliff family.
Now her uncle tricked her into selling the house, all to get Sebastian’s support.
So back then, could that drink also be…
“Tara.” Reese’s voice was tight. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“What?”
Tara glanced at Zach, her eyes flickering for a moment.
“Reese, what do you mean?”
Reese stared at Tara for a long time, searching her face. Tara just looked calm, like she honestly didn’t know anything. Reese shook her head.
“It’s nothing.”
Maybe she was overthinking it. Tara had already gone abroad by then. Even if Dylon had drugged the drink, Tara couldn’t have known, not from the other side of the world.
Besides, her uncle might be bold enough to set her up, but he’d never dare cross Sebastian.
The Ramos family was no match for the Ratcliffs.
Tara let out a quiet breath. “Reese, I know you’re mad at Dad, but we grew up together. Don’t let this come between us, okay?
“It’s almost noon. Are you hungry? Want to go to that place you used to love?”
Before Reese could answer, her phone rang. It was Alan.
“Reese, can you come back to the office?”
“Your proposal got approved. They want you to lead the new R&D team.”
After she hung up, Reese gave Tara a quick smile. “Sorry, I have to go. Work stuff.”
Zach watched Reese walk away, then stubbed out his cigarette in the trash with a scoff. “Look at her. You’d think the world owed her something. I don’t know why you worry about her.”
“Don’t say that.”
Tara pinched his arm a little, but there was a sparkle in her eyes. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ ͟.net
“She’s my sister. Of course I care.
“And you know she’s always a little distant with everyone.
“But I think she’s really mad this time. She even mentioned divorce.”
Zach’s eyes shifted. He put his arm around Tara’s shoulders as they headed down the steps. “Watch your step.
“It’s her business. You don’t need to get involved. She didn’t even tell you when she married into the Ratcliff family.”
Reese left the cemetery. She glanced back once, then got in her car and drove to BlackOak.
She parked and made her way to the elevator. From a distance, she spotted someone familiar and stopped.
Sebastian stepped out of a black Bentley. He looked like he’d been waiting for a while; there were several cigarette butts at his feet.
“What are you doing here?”
Reese looked at Sebastian. He stood in the light from the hallway, his features edged in a cool, pale glow.
“Waiting for you.”
She didn’t say anything, just watched as Sebastian bent down and pulled a paper bag from the car. From it, he took out a polished wooden box, the surface carved with a swirling rose design.
Reese took the box, her fingers brushing over the smooth wood. Her breath caught.
She’d gone back to the house yesterday. Everything was a mess, and she’d searched everywhere for this box. She thought it was gone for good.
“There’s something else.”
Sebastian handed her a red folder-the property deed. The bright cover stung her eyes. Reese opened it. Her name was listed as the owner, with today’s date.
“I’ve got the workers restoring the house. If you have time, go see if it looks right. Tell them if anything’s off.”
“Thanks.”
Reese sniffed and looked up at Sebastian, her gaze steady. “But Sebastian, no matter what you do, I’m still divorcing you.”
She’d get the house back sooner or later. And if her mother’s keepsakes were really gone, she’d make sure Grace paid for it.
Sebastian’s help saved her some trouble, but this whole mess started because of him. He’d already hurt her. Saying thank you was just the adult thing to do.
“Why?” Sebastian frowned. “After you have the baby, I’ll stop interfering with your work.”
Reese gave a bitter smile. “Sebastian, I’m not just here to have your child.”