Chapter 8

“Don’t worry, Aunt Rosie. Whatever’s going on between me and Sebastian, it’s not going to mess with the family business. I can handle it.”
Rosie let out a quiet sigh, her relief obvious. “As long as you know what you’re doing.”
The two of them wandered through the market, picked out fresh veggies, and made their way back. Just as they walked through the gate, Rosie suddenly grabbed Reese’s hand.
“Oh, and Reese… We know you had married Sebastian to help the family get that investment. Could you not bring it up to Tara and Zach?”
Reese blinked, a little caught off guard. Rosie explained, “Zach and Tara have been through a lot building their company overseas. I don’t want them worrying about old stuff back here.”
Reese nodded. “Don’t worry, Aunt Rosie. That’s all history now. Tara’s wedding is coming up. I won’t say a thing and start drama.”
Rosie smiled, giving Reese’s shoulder a gentle pat. “Thank you so much.”
They headed upstairs and dropped the groceries in the kitchen. Rosie called Tara in to help, leaving Reese to go relax in the living room.
Reese walked in and spotted Zach on the sofa. With Dominic’s call still on her mind, she paused, then sat down awkwardly at the far end of the couch.
“Zach, do you think you’ll invest in Clever Cloud’s project?”
Zach raised an eyebrow, barely glancing up. “So you’re really rooting for a Clever Cloud and Iron Financial deal, huh?”
Reese nodded, pushing a little. “Yeah. Will you invest?”
“I was planning on it,” he replied, voice easy. “But now
His tone shifted as he lit a cigarette. “Now I might have to think things over.”
He gave her a crooked smile. “Honestly, if your institute’s director is willing to hire someone like you, I’d question his judgment.”
Reese took a breath, trying to stay calm. “So what would it take for you to say yes to the partnership?”
She watched his face, hoping for any sign of a break.
All at once, Zach grinned, a little mean, and pointed at the mango on the coffee table. “Eat that mango. Then we’ll talk.”
Reese’s face went pale. He knew about her mango allergy. He always had.
“What, you can’t even manage that?” Zach raised an eyebrow. “Sure, Clever Cloud’s a big deal. Teaming up with them works for me. But business is business. You can’t just act so close to me and expect me to roll over. If you can’t do it, find another bargaining chip.”
Reese’s hands balled into fists. “Fine. Just keep your word.” The source of thɪs content is.net
She knew she had nothing to offer, so before he could change his mind, she grabbed the mango, cut it up, and forced herself to eat every slice.
Within minutes, her skin started burning and itching, her cheeks flushed, but she pushed through and finished the fruit.
“Happy now?”
Zach stood, pulling his hand away, his face suddenly cold. “If you’re having an allergic reaction, go to the hospital. I don’t want to see you here.”
Relief and humiliation crashed over Reese as she hurried out and headed straight to the ER.
While she was hooked up to an IV, her phone buzzed.
“Iron Financial agreed to the investment,” Dominic said after a long pause. “Come see me at the institute in two days.”
“Okay.”
Reese stared at the IV drip, her eyes filling with tears.
Her allergy was so bad she had to stay overnight at the hospital. When she finally got home, she opened the door to stale, empty air.
Sebastian hadn’t come home.
She went into the study, printed out the divorce agreement her lawyer had sent, signed her name, slipped the papers into an envelope, and left for Ratcliff Tower.
The receptionist didn’t recognize her and blocked her at the entrance. “I’m sorry, miss, you need an appointment to see Mr. Ratcliff.”
Reese handed over the envelope. “I’m not here to see him. Just give him this, please.”
As long as Sebastian saw those divorce papers, he’d come find her.
The receptionist stepped back, shaking her head. “Sorry, I can’t deliver that for you-it’s against the rules.”
While they stood there, the glass doors slid open and Sebastian walked in, Sofia by his side.
Brady, Sebastian’s assistant, followed a few steps behind. When he caught sight of Reese, his face changed.
He shot a nervous glance at Sebastian, realized he hadn’t noticed Reese, and rushed over, pulling her aside.
“Ms. Meyer,” Brady whispered, flustered. He knew Sebastian didn’t like anyone knowing about his relationship with Reese. He never wanted her at the office. “You really shouldn’t be here.”
“Just give him this. Tell him to call me,” Reese said, pressing the envelope into his hands before turning to go.
Brady stared at it for a second, then took the elevator upstairs and knocked on Sebastian’s office door.
“Come in.”
Sebastian didn’t look up from his paperwork. “What did she want?”
“She asked you to contact her.” Brady set the envelope on the desk.
Sebastian’s lips curled in a faint, knowing smile. Looked like Reese was finally getting anxious about him spending time with Sofia.
“Leave it. Don’t worry about her.”