Sebastian turned and nced over to the street corner where Reese was waiting for the light. She was five months pregnant now, but you wouldn''t know it by looking at her. If anything, she seemed thinner than before.
He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and let the smoke drift as he watched Reese cross the street and vanish around the corner.
He was just now realizing how little he truly knew her. He didn''t know why she''d agreed to marry him in the first ce. He didn''t know the real story with her and the Meyer family, either. Just today, he''d found out she was Sofia''s half-sister. No wonder she was so distant from her family and couldn''t stand Grace. Of course she''d lost it when they signed her mom''s old house over to Sofia.
"Mr. Ratcliff?"
Rosie''s voice pulled him back. She sounded careful, almost nervous. "Reese is just upset right now. We sold her mom''s house and she''s having a hard time, but she didn''t mean what she said. Please don''t take it personally.
"We''ll talk to her, help her calm down. She''s not really going to divorce you."
Sebastian didn''t answer. He just took another drag on his cigarette, eyes lingering on the spot where Reese had disappeared.
Then he felt a sharp tap on his calf. Someone''s cane. "Why are you just standing here? Where''s Reese?"
"Grandpa." Sebastian turned, voice rough.
Mr. Ratcliff scowled. "You let her walk off like that? Go after her and apologize. Even if she wants a divorce, that can wait until after the baby is born."
"Got it, Grandpa."
Sebastian watched his grandfather climb into the car, say his goodbyes to Dylon and his wife, then drive off.
He sat in the driver''s seat for a while, thinking, before calling Reese.
"We''re sorry, the number you have dialed is currently unavable..."
A sh of surprise crossed his face. Did she block him?
He tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, scrolling through his contacts. Most of the people he knew who also knew Reese were really just his friends, not hers.
Reese used to always leave a light on for him, no matter howte he got home. She''d just sit there quietly, waiting. But now, he realized, he didn''t even know who her friends were. Who did she talk to? Where did she go when she left the house?
No-there was one person. Millie. Reese cared about her. They must have stayed in touch.
Annoyed, Sebastian lit another cigarette and called Brady.
"Find out where Millie lives. Check if Reese has been in touch with hertely."
Finally, the ck Bentley pulled away from the curb. At the traffic light, Sebastian suddenly spun the car around and headed back.
At home, Sofia was sitting on the rug with Robbie, helping him put together a robot model.
"Aunt Sofia, did you and Dad fight?" Robbie asked.
She hesitated, then nodded. The uneasy feeling she''d had all day hadn''t gone away. She''d even asked the housekeeper to bring over some of Reese''s mom''s things.
"Me and your mom had a disagreement. It made your dad upset."
"It must be Mom''s fault," Robbie said immediately. "Dad must be mad at Mom too."
Sofia shook her head and gave a weak smile, not sure if she should tell him what really happened.
"Don''t worry, Auntie. When Dad gets home, I''ll help you talk to him."
Robbie''s attempt tofort her didn''t help much. Sofia still jumped a little when the front door opened.
Sebastian walked in and nced at the mess of toys scattered everywhere, frowning. When Reese was home, the ce was always spotless. Now, clutter had crept in.
Hearing Sebastian, Robbie looked up, gave Sofia a reassuring look, and ran over to hug his dad''s leg.
"Dad, you''re finally home! Auntie''s been waiting for you."
Sebastian ruffled Robbie''s hair, his tone unreadable. "Go pick up your toys. I need to talk to her."
"Okay!"
Robbie let go and smiled at Sofia, then started cleaning up.
Sofia stood up, taking a small rosewood box from her bag.
“Sebastian, this is the box Ms. Meyer was looking for."
She walked over, handing him the box, watching his face for any hint of a reaction.