He knew Reese better than anyone. She would rather call the cops on him than ever lower herself just to get a step closer to the Ratcliff family. That wasn''t her style at all.


    Robbie, on the other hand, had a history of lying. This wasn''t the first time he''d stirred up trouble with his wild stories.


    Sebastian paused for a moment, his face unreadable. Then he turned to the bodyguard and said in a low voice, "Go downstairs and bring Annie up. We''ll meet at the emergency room entrance."


    The bodyguard nodded and hurried off. The rest of them headed toward the ER.


    Right then, a soft, shaky voice broke through the tension.


    "Sebastian?"


    Leslie rushed over, her face full of worry. "I was here for a checkup," she said, her voice tight with emotion. "As soon as I heard something happened to Mr. Ratcliff, I came running. How is he? Is he alright?"


    Jane froze for a second when she saw Leslie. She''d always liked the girl. Leslie had grown up with their support; she''s someone they understood inside and out. Considering the Ratcliff family''s status, there was never any need for a marriage of convenience. Back then, Sebastian really had cared for her.


    But for some reason, Mr. Ratcliff had fiercely opposed the match. After Sebastian was drugged and slept with Reese, he''d been forced to marry her instead.


    Jane had always thought it was a shame. Sebastian had ended up with someone as calcting as Reese and missed out on Leslie. She never imagined there was still something between them after all these years.


    Maybe this was a sign. Once they found proof that Reese had hurt Mr. Ratcliff, Sebastian would have no reason to stay with her. After the divorce, he could finally marry Leslie, and things would work out for everyone.


    Jane''s gaze turned icy as she pointed at Reese. "What else could it be? It''s all her fault," she spat. "I don''t know what kind of bad luck our family has to deserve a woman like her."


    Leslie lowered her eyes, hiding the sh of satisfaction there. "Please don''t be so upset. Maybe it''s all just a misunderstanding?"


    Reese watched the two of them put on their little show. It was almostughable- if it didn''t make her chest feel so cold and empty.


    Before she could say anything, the bodyguard rushed back with Annie.


    Annie was still in her hospital gown, looking a bit pale. When she saw how tense things were, she ran straight to Reese''s side, wrapped her arms around her, and peeked out at* the others her eyes wary


    "Auntie, what''s happening?"


    Were they picking on Auntie again?


    Sebastian crouched down, trying to keep his voice gentle. "Annie, can you tell me. Was Auntie with you downstairs the whole time?"


    He needed to hear it from her. He had to know for sure that Reese hadn''t touched Mr. Ratcliff. Only then could he even think about saving their marriage.


    Annie nodded, her voice clear. "Yeah! She was in the room with me when I woke up. She even gave me a lucky charm."


    She reached into her pocket and pulled out the charm, holding it out for Sebastian to see.


    Sebastian''s eyes locked onto it, and his whole body tensed.


    He''d gotten that pendant on a stormy night, kneeling on the cold stone steps of the monastery, praying for his family''s safety. He''d gone through all that, and now


    Reese had just handed it over to that bastard''s daughter, no less.


    What was she thinking? What did she take him for?


    A dark look flickered across his face. His hands tightened on Annie''s shoulders,


    anger coursing through him so hard the veins stood out on his arms.


    Reese didn''t even notice the change in his expression. All she cared about was that Sebastian might scare Annie.


    She quickly pried his hands off Annie and moved the little girl behind her, shielding


    her.


    She met Sebastian''s eyes, her voice.


    steady and calm. "Call the police.df


    we can''t figure this out, let them handle it. I trust the police to clear my name if no one else will