"There''s a housekeeper at home to watch Annie, so you don''t have to worry about


    it.


    "It''s just that the housekeeper took the afternoon off, and I need to head out soon.


    If you don''t mind, could I ask you to pick Annie up for me?"


    For Reese, this was no big deal.


    Annie was such a smart and considerate kid. Every time she saw Reese, she''d call out "Auntie? in that sweet little voice. Reese genuinely liked her.


    "Not a problem at all. I''ll head over in a bit. Don''t worry about this. I''ve got things covered here."


    Matthew''s lips curled into a subtle smile at her answer. He remembered Annie telling him once that she wished Reese could be her mom, and the memory made his gaze soften with affection.


    Reese was too busy working to notice the look in his eyes.


    That morning, Matthew had gotten a call about a business trip. The caller was an old friend, someone who''d once served under him.


    He''d lowered his voice and said, "Matthew, honestly, you don''t really need toe in person. It''s not urgent. But I heard there''s pressure from someone higher up-they want you back right away."


    Matthew wasn''t stupid. It was clear who was behind this.


    Sebastian wanted him out of the way so he could get closer to Reese.


    With Matthew''s position, he could''ve refused. Sebastian didn''t have the authority to order him around. But in three days, it would be his mentor''s birthday, and there was no way he''d miss that. He''d have to return to base and, because of security, wouldn''t be able to contact Reese for a while.


    Thinking about it, Matthew didn''t bother getting mad about Sebastian''s little games.


    Still, for someone usually so steady, the thought of leaving for a few days and potentially giving Sebastian an opening made him feel strangely uneasy.


    "Reese," he called out quietly.


    "Yeah?" Reese looked up at him.


    Meeting her deep, clear eyes, Matthew hesitated. He wanted to say, Don''t let Sebastian get too close while I''m gone, but when he spoke, it came out as, "You and Annie be good, okay? I''ll bring you both a present when I get back."


    Reese justughed, missing the hint. "I''m an adult, alright? Go on, hurry up and get out of here. Don''t waste time."


    Matthew smiled, half amused and half reluctant to leave. Right before he walked out, he pulled his assistant aside and reminded him-if anyone from the Ratcliff or Ramos families showed up looking for Reese, the assistant had to get word to Matthew at the base immediately.


    The assistant nodded and left, and Matthew climbed into the SUV waiting to take him away.


    Once Matthew''s car disappeared from view, Reese finally let out a long breath, rubbing the tips of her ears, which were still a little warm.


    His promise to bring her a present brought back a flood of memories.


    Her dad used to say the same thing before leaving on trips. Only...


    A faint, self-mocking smile flickered in her eyes.


    That afternoon, George called. He told her all the divorce papers and evidence including the surrogacy records were ready and had been handed to the court. The hearing was scheduled, and they could go to court anytime.


    A few days ago, Reese had spoken to the hospital. Sebastian''s grandfather only had a few days left.


    "Thank you, George. I''ll let you know if I''m ready," she said quietly.


    As the workday was ending, the sky suddenly darkened and thunder rumbled in the distance.


    Reese told n she was heading out early, then drove to Annie''s school.


    She parked her white SUV by the curb. The school bell had just rung, and clusters of kids were flooding out of the building.


    Reese stood at the pick-up spot, scanning the crowd for Annie. Before she could spot her, she saw Robbie.


    He was in his neat school uniform, backpack slung over his shoulder, chatting with his friends.


    He must have felt her eyes on him, because he nced over and met her gaze. He froze, his smile fading instantly. The next second, he turned away, acting like she was just some stranger.


    Just then, the Ratcliff family''s driver pulled up in a ck car.


    Robbie opened the door and climbed in without another nce her way.


    Reese watched the car drive off, letting out a quiet breath.


    Life really was unpredictable. Who would have thought that she and her own son would end up like strangers, seeing each other as nothing more than adversaries.


    "Auntie!"


    Annie''s cheerful voice snapped her out of her thoughts. Reese looked up to see Annie waving at her from within a group of kids, her small backpack bouncing as she ran over.