Sebastian took the wooden box and was surprised by how heavy it felt. The surface was covered with delicate vine patterns, the edges worn smooth and shiny from years of being handled.


    "This is something her mother left her," he said quietly.


    Sofia''s face went pale the moment she heard his words. Before she could figure out what to say, Sebastian continued, "Did you know her mother?"


    Sofia wobbled, panic shing in her eyes. "Sebastian, I... I didn''t really know Mrs. Meyer."


    "When my mother and I got to the Meyer house, she and her mom had already left."


    "So, you''re the result of her dad''s affair," Sebastian said, his voice so cold it made the room feel like winter.


    "Because you and your mom showed up, she and her mother had to leave the Meyer family and move out to Bridger Lake."


    "When you wanted to buy the cottage her mother left behind, what were you thinking?"


    "S-Sebastian..." Sofia stammered, shrinking back from his icy stare.


    "I didn''t know it was something her mom left her. My mom just liked the ce because of the location, that''s all. We really didn''t mean for any of this to happen."


    "If this has made things worse between you, I—I can give the house back to her."


    Sebastian ran his fingers over the carvings on the box. "Sofia, the only reason I keep you around is because I need your skills.


    "I''ll admit you''re good at what you do, but there are plenty of people with the same abilities. Don''t get any ideas."


    Sofia''s face lost what little color it had left. "Sebastian, I swear I''m not-"


    "Set up a time with Dylon and get the deed transferred," Sebastian cut her off, his eyes like a frozenke. "I''ll help you find a new ce."


    Sofia''s lips trembled. She wanted to say something, but the look in his eyes shut her up. She nodded, digging her nails into her palm. "Alright. I''ll do it tomorrow."


    Her hand paused on the cold doorknob. She turned back to look at Sebastian.


    "I''m really sorry for causing so much trouble," she said softly.


    The carved door closed with a sharp click, the sound echoing through the empty house.


    Sofia stood on the stone steps outside, sneaking a nce back at the door. Minutes passed, but no one came after her.


    Bitterness and regret stung her eyes. After everything she''d done, Sebastian still didn''t see her. She''d made a huge mistake.


    She thought she could back Reese into a corner and force her to ask for a divorce, but all she''d done was make Sebastian care about Reese even more.


    Still, she was useful to him. If she was careful, maybe she''d get another chance.


    Sebastian stood in the entryway for a moment before finally walking in and setting the wooden box on the coffee table.


    "Dad?"


    Robbie had already picked up on the tension. His eyes were red as he asked, "Did Auntie do something to make you mad?"


    Sebastian looked down at his son''s face.


    "Do you like her that much?" he asked, his own voice sounding rougher than he expected.


    Robbie nodded, a little too hard. “She buys me special-edition robots and always listens to my stories. She''s not like Mom. Mom just does chores and doesn''t even talk to me anymore."


    Sebastian felt a twist of pain in his chest.


    "She''s your mother," he said, pointing at the toys scattered everywhere. "Whenever she was here, she''d help you put all this away."


    Robbie suddenly realized something was off. "Dad, do you not want Auntie to be my mom?


    "But Grandma said if it weren''t for me, Mom never would''ve married you.


    "And Dad, I thought you don''t love Mom."


    Sebastian was silent, not knowing what to say. He ruffled Robbie''s hair. "Go have some fun."


    He headed upstairs to his study, pulled open a drawer, and took out the egg donation consent form.


    Staring at the signature on the paper, Sebastian''s brow furrowed. For the first time, he realized he might have done something he could never undo.