Reese stood behind n, bncing a te of cake as he chatted with someone across the table about the city''s new transport project. Every now and then, she would break down some technical jargon, soundingpletely in her element.


    She took a bite of the cake, letting it melt on her tongue. It was so light and sweet, she couldn''t help but close her eyes in contentment.


    This was the first time she''d felt truly rxed at the Ratcliff estate. No chores to worry about, no need to tiptoe around Jane.


    And Robbie—well, she''d already asked a housekeeper to bring him his allergy meds, and with Sebastian close by, she figured he''d be fine.


    Then a sharp voice cut through the buzz of the party. "Robbie! What''s wrong? Don''t scare me like that!"


    Jane''s cry was like a ssh of ice water. Reese''s head snapped up just in time to see Robbie, who''d been happily standing next to Sofia, suddenly go limp. He started sliding to the floor, his face and neck breaking out in angry red blotches. He gasped for air, his chest heaving, little whimpers slipping out.


    Sofia looked stunned, taking a shaky step back.


    "Call a doctor!" Mr. Ratcliff thundered, banging his cane on the floor as he tried to stand. "Someone, now!"


    Jane rushed over, but Sebastian was faster. He dropped to his knee and scooped Robbie up, pressing his fingers under Robbie''s nose, desperate for a reaction.


    "Is this an allergic reaction?" someone whispered.


    Guests broke into anxious chatter. "How could this happen so suddenly?"


    "Didn''t his family know his allergic to mango?"


    Sofia''s face had gone ghostly pale. "I swear, I didn''t touch him. I didn''t know about the mango allergy. This wasn''t my fault..."


    The doctor arrived in a sh. He checked Robbie''s mouth, saw the swelling and the bluish tinge in his throat, and quickly loosened his shirt, searching for a pulse.


    "This is a severe reaction. We need to get him to the hospital right away," he said, voice tight. "I''m giving him a shot, but we can''t risk waiting."


    He tore open a syringe and injected Robbie''s thigh, all business.


    As soon as the needle was out, Sebastian swept Robbie into his arms and hurried out. Robbie''s head lolled against Sebastian''s shoulder, his arms dangling, barely conscious.


    Sofia hesitated for a second, then hurried after them, biting her lip.


    "Sebastian, wait! Please, let me exin..."


    The party was over, no question about it. Mr. Ratcliff called for cars, told Jane to see the guests out, and said she shoulde with him to the hospital.


    Reese hovered near the doorway, watching Robbie''s small, helpless body as Sebastian carried him away. She found herself taking a step forward, then stopped.


    Sofia was with them. She''d take care of Robbie. Reese wasn''t a doctor, so going to the hospital wouldn''t help.


    Then she felt a sharp stare and turned to see Jane watching her, ice in her eyes.


    Reese''s lips twisted in silent frustration. Even now, with everything happening, Jane still wouldn''t let her show any concern for Robbie.


    Once she saw Reese wasn''t following, Jane pulled herself together, pasted on a polite smile, and turned to the guests. "I''m so sorry for the scare. Robbie just ate something he shouldn''t have and had a little allergic reaction.


    "The doctor''s already taken care of him, but we''re going to the hospital just to be safe.


    “I''m afraid we''ll have to end the party early tonight. We''ll make it up to you soon, I promise."


    She gave a graceful nod, signaling the staff to help the guests out.


    A few people whispered as they left. "Did you hear? Ms. Meyer made the cake herself. Isn''t she Robbie''s mom?"


    "How could a mother not know about her son''s allergy?"


    Mr. Ratcliff, leaning on his cane, paused as he overheard. "Ms. Meyer is not Robbie''s mother," he said, voice firm. "She''s here as a guest, nothing more. Please don''t make assumptions."


    The room buzzed with quiet gossip. "Really? Then who is she?"


    "Shh. Didn''t you see how Mr. Ratcliff treats her? Maybe she''s not family yet, but she will be soon."


    "Still, you have to admit she cares about Robbie. She looked like she was about to cry when he copsed. No wonder he''s so close to her he even asked her to help cut the cake."


    "Come on, let''s head out."


    n''s voice broke through as he joined the others heading to their cars. "What a mess tonight turned into. I don''t think anyone actually learned anything about our new transport system."