Every word out of Reese''s mouth hit Sebastian like a punch straight to the chest.
His face changed. He opened his mouth, searching for aeback, but nothing came out.
Reese didn''t even look at him. She just picked up her file bag and walked up the courthouse steps, each step steady and determined, her back turned and unyielding.
Sebastian''s first instinct was to go after her, reach out and stop her, but George stepped in front of him, blocking his path. "Mr. Ratcliff, the hearing is about to start. If you''ve got something to say, save it for the courtroom."
Sebastian could only watch Reese''s retreating figure. The softness in his eyes vanished, reced by something sharp and cold.
He adjusted his tie, shot a nce at Ashton, and saw Ashton nod. Sebastian gave the tiniest smirk and followed Reese up the steps.
Reese, after all these years, we''re way too tangled up for you to cut me out this easily. You think you can just walk away and divorce me? Not a chance.
Everyone made their way inside and into a small mediation room. There was a long table in the center with four chairs on each side.
The judge sat at the head of the table, quickly flipping through the case file before ncing up at Reese and Sebastian. His tone was official, almost bored. "Would either party like to try mediation before the hearing? If you cane to an agreement now, the rest of the process will be much smoother."
Sebastian nodded and started to speak, but Reese cut him off. "No, that won''t be necessary."
Sebastian stared at her, eyes unblinking. "You''re sure?"
Reese looked up, giving him a cool, almost mocking nce. "What did you expect?"
Sebastian raised an eyebrow, then nodded at Ashton, who quickly handed a folder across the table toward Reese.
"Ma''am, maybe you should check what''s inside before making a final decision."
Reese only frowned, not reaching for the folder.
She knew Sebastian wouldn''t give up easily. He always had something up his sleeve. She refused to take it. She was afraid that whatever was in there would cloud her judgment.
George picked up on her hesitation, stepped forward, and took the folder himself. He squeezed it gently, feeling the heft of the paperwork.
He pulled out the documents, and the moment he saw the title on the first page, his eyes widened, brow furrowing. He shot a heavy look at Reese.
Reese''s stomach dropped. She leaned over to see for herself and the words on the cover jumped out at her "Loan Agreement Between Ramos Corporation and Ratcliff Global," dated four years ago.
Everything was spelled out in ck and white. Ramos Corporation had used its shares in three subsidiaries as coteral for a fifty million dor loan from Ratcliff Global. If the debt wasn''t paid back in three years, Ratcliff Global had the right to take over all of Ramos Corporation''s assets.
Reese tore her eyes away from the contract and stared at her trembling hands, anger rising like a tidal wave inside her.
Dylon had done all this behind her back, taking out a huge loan without her knowledge and signing such a ruthless agreement.
And Sebastian had known how much Ramos Corporation meant to her. He''d never said a word. He just kept the contract hidden, waiting for the right moment to use it against her.
Sebastian watched every flicker of emotion on her face, satisfaction flickering in his eyes when he saw how shaken she was.
He leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled. "Ramos Corporation still hasn''t paid
it back. With interest, it''s almost eighty million now.
"If you''re really set on this divorce,
have no problem starting liquidation proceedings right now. ording to. the contract, I have every right take over Ramos Corporation."
“Reese, do you really want to stand by and watch your grandfather''s and your
mother''s whole life''s work go up in smoke?"
He waited, sure she''d give in.
However, Reese just let out a coldugh. "Sebastian, you''re as arrogant as ever. Did you really think that was enough to threaten me?"