Sebastian''s gaze swept over Reese, the sarcasm in his eyes impossible to miss. "She''s lucky if she can just manage being Mrs. Ratcliff at home."


    His words stung, sharp as needles.


    Mr. Ratcliff looked like he''d swallowed a lemon, about to snap back, but Reese quickly stepped in. "Grandpa, I''m not going to Ratcliff Global. I have my own things to do."


    Zach had already agreed to partner with Clever Cloud and Dominic had told her she''d be starting at the research institute in a couple of days.


    Sebastian nced at her, something unreadable flickering in those dark eyes of his.


    When Reese refused, Mr. Ratcliff let out a heavy sigh. "Don''t mind that brat. If you''re upset,e to me. I''ll always take your side."


    Reese nodded. "I''m fine, Grandpa. Really. You just focus on your health."


    He studied her for a moment, then shot Sebastian a fierce re before turning and heading back to his room, leaning on his cane.


    "Dad?"


    A small hand tugged at Sebastian''s sleeve. He looked down and saw Robbie, eyes big and cautious.


    "What is it?"


    Robbie hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "My birthday party''s next week. This year, I want Mom toe. Is that okay?"


    Sebastian raised one eyebrow and threw Reese a warning look. "Ask her yourself."


    Then he walked off across the curved bridge, disappearing behind the thick green leaves.


    Robbie''s face lit up with surprise. He hadn''t expected his dad to agree. Usually, Dad hated being seen with Mom anywhere near other people.


    He practically bounced over to Reese. "Mom! Dad said you cane to my birthday party next week!"


    He grinned. "This year I want a mango cake. Can you make it for me at the party?"


    Reese frowned.


    Robbie was allergic to mangoes, just like she was, but for some reason he loved the idea of them. Every year she had to get creative, making mango-shaped jellies-always a hassle.


    As the only great-grandchild in the Ratcliff family, Robbie''s birthday parties were always over the top.


    However, Jane and Sebastian never actually introduced her as his mom. Every time, she was the one running around, busy behind the scenes, looking more like a polished housekeeper than the boy''s mother.


    And Sebastian''s look just now had been a clear warning-don''t say yes. So why should she put herself through that again?


    "The staff can handle it. I''m noting to your party this year."


    Her voice was soft but steady.


    Robbie froze, his little face going red. "I don''t want the staff to do it! Their cakes never taste right. I want yours!"


    He stomped his foot. "I worked so hard just for this. If youe, everyone will know you''re my mom! Then no one will try to take Dad away from you!"


    Reese looked at him for a long moment, then gave a small, chilly smile.


    So what if everyone knew? Sebastian would still show up everywhere with Sofia on his arm. Being Mrs. Ratcliff would just make her look even more ridiculous.


    She crouched down to meet Robbie''s eyes. "Robbie, I''m your mom, not your maid. Just because you want something doesn''t mean I have to do it."


    She straightened, opened the car door, and turned to the housekeeper. "Look after Robbie. Tell Mr. Ratcliff I have something to take care of.”


    Sebastian leaned against a pavilion column, a cigarette burning between his fingers. When he heard the car engine, he looked up and saw Robbieing over, eyes red and sulky.


    "She said yes?" Sebastian asked.


    Robbie red, voice thick with frustration. "Mom said no. She''s not making my cake this year, either. She told me to ask the staff. But I want a mango cake!"


    Reese said no?


    Maybe she finally gets it.


    Somethingplicated flickered in Sebastian''s eyes.


    Still, Reese would always make Robbie''s cake herself before. Was she really nning to walk away this time?