Back then, Sebastian hadn''t really taken over Ratcliff Global yet. He was nowhere near powerful enough to go up against his grandfather. If she''d stayed, she would''ve just ended up humiliating herself.


    So when Mr. Ratcliff handed her a check and an offer to study overseas, she didn''t even hesitate. She took it.


    She honestly thought Sebastian would remember her, that he''d always appreciate what they''d had together. She never imagined he''d fall for Reese so quickly.


    Neal didn''t know all the details, but after hearing Leslie''s version, he could only sigh. “Life''s got a twisted sense of humor, doesn''t it?"


    He nced at Leslie, who lookedpletely deted. "Sebastian''s already gone. No point sticking around, is there? Want me to drive you home?"


    Leslie took a deep breath, forcing down all her emotions, and put on her best polite smile. "Thanks. I''d like that."


    Her n for Sebastian to escort her to the g tonight had totally flopped. Not only did she fail to use his reputation to steady her standing, she had to watch him dote on Reese all night. Sticking around any longer would just be asking for more embarrassment.


    The car rolled smoothly through the night. Leslie leaned her head against the window, watching the neon lights streak by outside, her fingers absentmindedly tapping her phone.


    Suddenly her phone lit up. She unlocked it and saw a message from her assistant.


    [Boss, I''ve got the info.]


    [Sofia wanted to get her hands on the old townhouse Reese''s mom left her. Reese refused, so Dylon tried to get in Mr. Ratcliff''s good graces by shorting Ramos Corporation and leaving Reese in debt. The townhouse was auctioned off.]


    [Reese has been going after Dylon for shorting Ramos Corporation. She''s not letting this go.]


    Leslie snorted at her screen.


    So Dylon wanted to use her to deal with Reese? What a schemer.


    But why couldn''t she flip things around and use them instead?


    After all, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.


    With that thought, Leslie pulled out the business card Dylon gave her earlier and sent him a text.


    ***


    Meanwhile, at the hospital, Mr. Ratcliff had sent everyone away except for his most trustedwyer and assistant.


    With a shaky hand, he sat up in bed, pulling off his oxygen mask. He looked even older than he had just a few days ago-so frail it was obvious his time was almost up.


    Thewyer spoke gently, repeating his question. “Mr. Ratcliff, are you sure you want to make Reese your goddaughter and leave her a share of your estate?"


    He stared out the window for a long moment before nodding.


    No matter what, the Ratcliff family owed Reese this much.


    He could already see it. After he was gone, Reese and Sebastian would tear each other apart. He could only hope this wit might force them to hold back, even just a little.


    Thewyer finalized the will and


    filmed a video of the old man


    reading and signing it, making sure


    everything was airtight Then,


    carefully packed up all the


    documents.


    The assistant hesitated, ncing at Mr. Ratcliff before speaking up. "Sir, there''s something you should know.


    "Your illness came on really suddenly. You''d been healthy before, so I worried someone might have done something to you.


    "A few days ago, I collected a hair sample and sent it, along with your test results, to a top researchb.


    "Yesterday, the hospital got the


    results. Your sudden illness is from a gene mutation on your Y chromosome. It''s a hereditary disease, passed down only through the male line."


    "And... with the way things are progressing, this gene mutation is showing up earlier and earlier. Guys your age rarely get it sote anymore."


    Mr. Ratcliff turned his head slowly, his face full of shock.


    He was smart enough to connect the dots fast. "You mean Sebastian and... cough..."


    "Sebastian and Robbie have inherited my gene mutation? They could get sick at any time?"