Mr. Sanchez paused, thinking it over, then finally made up his mind. "Since Mr. Ratcliff is willing to vouch for them, let''s move forward with the partnership between ckOak and Big X."


    Reese blinked, caught a little off guard. "Mr. Sanchez, that''s not really my call. I''ll have to run it by n first."


    "I''ll talk to n myself." With that, Mr. Sanchez turned to Dominic. "Since we''ll be working together, you can spend some time together. We''ll head back."


    Dominic just grunted, throwing Reese a hard look. He clearly wanted to say more, maybe lecture her, but this wasn''t the time. He just followed Mr. Sanchez out, his annoyance obvious.


    As soon as they left, the mood in the room lightened. Neal tugged Leslie toward the stables. "Come on, I need a rematch. You beat mest time, but I''m not letting you win again."


    He nced at Sebastian. "You in, Sebastian? You''ve trained Leslie so well. Let''s see if you can beat her yourself."


    Leslie smiled at Sebastian. "Come ride with us?"


    Sebastian just shook his head. "You two go ahead."


    Reese didn''t want to stick around any longer. She stood up to leave, but before she could take a step, Sebastian grabbed her wrist.


    "Why didn''t you tell me you were being investigated?"


    Reese tried to keep her voice calm. "The investigation is over. What would telling you have changed?"


    She tried to pull her hand away, but Sebastian''s grip just tightened. "How do you know it wouldn''t matter if you never even give me the chance?"


    His voice dropped, rough and frustrated. "Reese, I''m your husband. Can''t you just lean on me a little?"


    Reese looked him dead in the eyes, her expression steady and unreadable. "Sebastian, when you care about something-or someone you just do it. You don''t need anyone to ask. Like the garden Sofia wanted. Like the partnership Leslie wanted."


    She hesitated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Everyone knew about my investigation. Even ckOak got dragged in. If you didn''t know, it''s just because you weren''t paying attention."


    She let out a shaky breath, her next words softer, almost a sigh. "And honestly, I''m so tired of begging for what I need."


    Sebastian opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but Reese suddenly yanked her hand free and walked away.


    He just stood there, watching her disappear down the hallway, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles went white.


    A momentter, Neal came back, pping Sebastian on the shoulder. "Hey, youing? Let''s ride."


    Sebastian didn''t say anything, just followed him toward the stables.


    Down the hall, Reese leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath.


    Matthew hurried over, looking apologetic. "Sorry, I thought Mr. Sanchez wanted to talk about your job..."


    "It''s fine," Reese said, shaking her head, though worry flickered in her eyes. "It''s not that I''m jealous of Leslie spending time with Sebastian. I just get this feeling somethings off about her


    "I get it," Matthew nodded. "I''ll keep an eye on her. If there''s anything weird, I''ll find out. Don''t worry."


    Reese managed a weak smile. "Thanks. I just want to be alone for a bit."


    She wandered over to the edge of the paddock, watching the three riders.


    Neal was out front, Sebastian and Leslie riding side by side behind him, talking quietly together.


    A light drizzle started, cool drops brushing her skin and sending a shiver through her.


    The riders turned their horses and galloped toward the stables, trying to beat the rain.


    A bitter, almost mocking smile flickered across Reese''s face. Sebastian had lied again.


    He''d known Leslie since college.


    He''d taught her to ride. He trustedet


    her enough to stake Ratcliff Global''s reputation on her word.


    It all made sense now. Leslie was probably his first love. Maybe she was even the biological mother of that child.


    A heavy ache settled in Reese''s chest. Without thinking, she strode into the


    stables and picked a horse at random.


    Ignoring the stable manager''s protests, she led the horse out.


    "Let''s go!" She


    swung up into the


    saddle brought down the crop


    and


    out


    the horse reared before charging into the rain.


    Her horse thundered across the field, her hair flying, the hem of her skirt snapping


    in the wind.


    The three riders heard themotion and turned.


    Neal''s jaw dropped. "Wait-Reese can ride?"


    Leslie''s smile froze, and she shot a quick look at Sebastian.