"Mr. Ratcliff..."


    Rosie''s face drained of all color as Sebastian stepped out of the elevator.


    Why did he have to show up right now?


    The Ramos family was relying on the Ratcliffs to move forward with the Eastside project. If Sebastian got upset because of Reese, all their ns would fall apart.


    She had no choice; she had to get her side of the story out before he could say anything.


    With barely a thought for appearances, Rosie rushed forward and grabbed Sebastian''s sleeve.


    "Mr. Ratcliff, this is all my fault. I didn''t raise Reese well enough, and she made a stupid mistake. If you''re angry, take it out on me. Just please, don''t hold it against the Ramos family."


    "My husband and I have always hoped she''d have a happy life with you. That''s all we want."


    Sebastian looked down at her hand clutching his sleeve. Her nails were perfectly done in a ssy shade, but somehow, the sight just made him feel colder.


    He didn''t answer. Instead, his gaze slid over Rosie''s shoulder to Reese standing behind her. His eyes were impossible to read as he finally spoke. "I''ll handle this. You should go home."


    Rosie wanted to say more, but the look he shot her was like a de made of ice. She shrank back instantly, letting go of his sleeve and heading for the elevator, ncing back at every step.


    When the doors closed, Rosie looked even worse. Her hands were shaking so badly she could barely get her phone out.


    She dialed Tara, her voice trembling. "Tara, I just saw Reese with some man outside her apartment.


    "I tried to talk to Mr. Ratcliff, but he told me to leave before I could exin anything.


    "And Reese seems determined to divorce him. If she makes him mad and he mes us, that Eastside project is done for. What are we going to do?"


    There was a brief, heavy silence before Tara answered, sounding eerily calm.


    "Mom, calm down. If Reese insists on divorcing Sebastian, I''ll make sure she cuts ties with our family first.


    "That way, even if the Ratcliffs are upset, it won''te back on us. Please, don''t get involved in her issues anymore, okay? We can''t afford to get burned."


    Rosie finally let out a shaky breath. "Okay, okay. I''ll listen to you."


    She hung up as the elevator doors opened. Her legs felt weak as she walked out.


    Upstairs, outside the apartment, Reese noticed the dark look on Sebastian''s face and instinctively stepped in front of Matthew.


    "Sebastian, we''re just colleagues. You saw just saw him downstairs. Please, don''t me him for anything."


    Sebastian''s jaw tightened as he watched Reese shield Matthew


    +


    HE


    looked at Matthew, then spoke.


    "Matthew Ratcliff it''s been a while.


    What?


    Reese stared at him in shock. Was this the brother Sebastian had been looking for?


    Matthew''s eyes clouded over, but he said nothing.


    Sebastian turned back to Reese. "Go inside. I won''t do anything to him."


    Then, to Matthew, "Come with me."


    Reese grabbed Matthew''s sleeve, her voice soft with worry. "If anything happens, call me."


    Matthew tucked the lunch container into her arms and smiled. "Don''t worry, just finish your lunch. I''lle back for thister."


    Sebastian watched their little exchange, his hands balling into fists.


    Without another word, he headed toward the elevator. Matthew followed, giving Reese a reassuring wave before the doors slid shut.


    Inside, the silence was suffocating.


    Sebastian''s voice was cold. "Where have you been all these years? I sent people everywhere, but you just disappeared."


    "I joined the army. I just got out," Matthew said, leaning against the wall. "I took my mother''s name and changed my identity. Of course you couldnt find me


    He paused, looking up at Sebastian with a hint of sarcasm in his eyes.


    "Weren''t you always embarrassed by me? Didn''t you wish I''d never show up again? So why are you looking for me now?"


    Sebastian was caught off guard by how much the once timid Matthew had changed. He frowned, realization dawning.


    No wonder they couldn''t find him; he''d changed his name.


    If that was true, maybe he wasn''t really a Ratcliff anymore. But remembering his grandfather''s wishes, Sebastian''s tone, softened a ttle. Grandpas really sick. He gets weaker every day. All he wants now is for you toe home."