"I already convinced her to drop thewsuit. She''s willing to give you one more chance.


    "I''m telling you, don''t screw this up again. If you hurt her for real and she files for divorce, I won''t step in next time."


    A sh of understanding crossed Sebastian''s face. So Reese was just throwing a tantrum after all.


    "I get it."


    "Don''t act like this doesn''t matter!" Mr. Ratcliff saw right through him. He rapped his cane against the bed, his voice serious. "Reese''s put up with enough over the years. You need to treat her better."


    "I helped you settle things this time. As her husband, you should show her you care. Go pick out a gift for her."


    Sebastian pressed his lips together and didn''t argue. That was as good as agreeing.


    He stayed with Mr. Ratcliff for another half hour. Once he was sure everything was


    fine, he left the hospital and headed for an upscale jewelry shop.


    Ever since Reese moved out, he''d ordered a set of emerald jewelry for her, nning to use it as a peace offering. Now was the perfect time.


    He looked down at the delicate set, picturing Reese wearing it, and couldn''t help but smile.


    Funny-after all these years of marriage, he''d never really given her a proper gift.


    As night fell, the lights of Iron Financial shone bright across the city.


    Zach sat at his desk, face stormy, eyes glued to hisputer screen while the phone rang nonstop.


    "Mr. Wiles." His assistant hovered at the doorway, watching his mood. "Mr. Ratcliff wants you to make a public statement, clear Reese''s name about the leak.


    "If you do, Iron Financial''s reputation is definitely going to take a hit..."


    Zach mmed his mouse on the desk, frustration burning in his eyes.


    Reese really married into the right family.


    Even though the Wiles family was making aeback, they still couldn''tpete with the Ratcliffs.


    On the sofa, Tara absentmindedly rubbed her belly, a glint in her eyes. "Zach, honestly, I think this is a great chance for us."


    "Even if we apologize now, everyone knows we weren''t ndering Reese. We were just doing what anyone would for their country.


    "Plus, as soon as Sofia gets proof that Reese had an abortion, she''ll lose the Ratcliffs'' support.


    "The higher they put her up right now, the harder she''ll crash when the truthes out.""And when that happens, the Ratcliffs might even owe us. .


    Zach hesitated for a second, ncing at Tara, his gaze lingering on her stomach. He bit his lip, then told his assistant p what she Said." .


    "Yes, sir."


    The assistant left quietly.


    Zach turned to Tara. “You really think Sofia will find the proof? Does she even have the guts for that?"


    "She will," Tara said, a small smile on her lips. "It''s her only option left."


    On the other side of town, Sofia stared at the crowd of reporters blocking her door, biting her nail, her expression ice cold.


    Reese!


    You actually paid off the press to block my house?


    You think just because the Ratcliffs are backing you, I can''t touch you?


    Don''t forget-I have the whole Meyer family of Brookfield behind me.


    She grabbed her phone and made a call. "Hank, I need you to help me check Reese''s records from the OB-GYN departmented the hospital.