"I''ve looked everywhere, but I haven''t seen Reese. Today''s the funeral. Shouldn''t she be..."


    "This is Ratcliff family business. It doesn''t concern you."


    Sebastian cut her off, his gaze icy and sharp.


    Leslie had gotten enough of that frigid look from him. Part of her wanted to walk away, but she remembered why she was here and forced herself to stay.


    "Sorry. I just want to pay my respects. Then I''ll leave."


    She forced a thin smile, turned, and hurried into the old house.


    Jane was at the entrance to the parlor, greeting guests. The second she spotted Leslie, panic flickered across her face. She watched Leslie approach, her eyes cautious and tense.


    Leslie acted like she didn''t notice, her expression perfectly calm. She picked up three flowers, and bowed deeply to Mr. Ratcliff''s photo.


    "Mr. Ratcliff, rest well. I''ve handled everything on your behalf. You don''t need to worry anymore."


    She ced the incense in the holder, turned, and strode out, heading straight to the backyard.


    Jane watched her go, anxiety gnawing at her. Once she''d settled thest of the guests, she quickly slipped after Leslie.


    The backyard was shady, old oaks spreading their thick branches and blocking out the sun. Leslie was waiting under them, a sly, knowing smile on her lips as Jane came closer.


    "Aunt Jane, what brings you out here?"


    Jane nced around, making sure nobody was nearby, then walked straight up to her.


    "Leslie, what are you up to? It''s Mr. Ratcliff''s funeral. Don''t stir up trouble today."


    "I just wanted to ask if you''ve made up your mind yet."


    Head office had already sent word. She needed de''s data, and fast.


    Sebastian had been giving her the cold shoulder ever since everything with Reese went down. Jane was her only shot.


    "I''m not working with you."


    Ever since she''d learned about the will, Jane had been obsessed with getting Sebastian to divorce Reese. She didn''t want any more drama, and she definitely didn''t want to get mixed up with Leste again


    Leslie reached into her purse and pulled out a few photos, handing them over like


    it was nothing. "Aunt Jane, I stumbled on something I thought might interest you."


    Jane hesitated but took the photos. The second she saw what was in them, her eyes went wide.


    The woman in the photos was Matthew''s mother.


    Back when that woman lost her


    mind, Jane had secretly sent her to a


    clinic overseas, terrified Matthew


    would find out what she''d done


    She''d told everyone the woman was dead.


    How did Leslie get these?


    "Where did you get these photos?"


    Jane stared at Leslie, searching her face for any kind of clue.


    Leslie just smiled. "What do you think Matthew would do if he found out his mother''s still alive? Would hee after you? Or maybe go after the Ratcliff family?"


    Jane''s knees almost buckled, her face going pale.


    Mr. Ratcliff had left Matthew some shares in thepany, trying to make up for


    the past. If Matthew found out the truth, who knew what he''d do?


    Jane red at Leslie, jaw clenched. "What do you want?"


    Leslie pulled a tiny ck device from her purse, barely bigger than a thumbtack, and pressed it into Jane''s hand.


    "I don''t need much. Just a little favor.


    "Tomorrow morning, go to ckOak and find Reese. Slip this into her pocket and make sure she brings it into theb."


    Jane looked down at the device, suspicion burning in her eyes.


    She knew exactly what Reese was working on at ckOak. Whatever this was, it could put everything at risk for Ratcliff Global.


    "What is this? What are you after?"


    "You don''t need to know that."


    Leslie''s smile was soft, almost sweet. Just remember, if you don''t


    want Matthew to find out his mother''s still alive you''ll do exactly as say."