Sebastian stared hard at Reese, his eyes swirling with a mess of emotions. Anger, frustration, panic, and a trace of something like fear flickered behind his re.


    The de project was hisst shot, his one chance to take back control of Ratcliff Global. He couldn''t afford to lose it. The government partnership mattered even more. If that fell apart, Ratcliff Global would take a devastating hit, and his own future would be finished.


    He stayed silent for a long time, letting his fury simmer down until he could think straight again.


    "So, you''re threatening me now?"


    "Yes." Reese didn''t hesitate. Her eyes were steady, her answer firm, not the slightest hint of backing down.


    Sebastian finally let his fists rx, his face so dark it looked like it might rain. He gritted out, "Fine. I''ll agree to the divorce."


    Relief loosened something inside Reese. The weight she''d been carrying finally eased, but it didn''t bring her any happiness. She just felt tired, worn out by everything she''d been through.


    "When do we go to the civil office?" Sebastian''s voice was ice-cold.


    "Why would we go there?" Reese let out a short, humorlessugh. "Sebastian, don''t even think about stalling."


    She paused, watching his expression twist with frustration. "If we go through the civil office, there''s a whole month-long waiting period. Our divorce case is already in court, and it''s just on recess. If we file for mediation, everything will be settled much faster."


    Sebastian''s eyes narrowed.


    He had been nning to drag things out. If he could buy a month, that would give him enough time to finish the de project''s handover. With that done, he''d have the leverage he needed to take back Ratcliff Global. At that point, Reese''s threats wouldn''t mean a thing to him.


    He hadn''t expected Reese to see right through him so quickly, or toe up with a way to cut off his escape.


    He shut his eyes for a moment, then finally muttered through clenched teeth, "Fine. We''ll do it your way."


    "I''ll have mywyer get in touch."


    Reese had grown a lottely, but in Sebastian''s eyes, she was still too inexperienced. Whether they ended up with a divorce ruling or a mediation agreement, once he was back in control, he''d f control,


    e''d find a way to keep her by his side if he wanted to


    He gave Reese onest long look, as if trying to memorize her face.


    Then he turned around and left the hallway, his steps heavy. He didn''t look back.


    Reese watched him leave and let out a long breath. The tension in her muscles melted away, leaving her weak and shaky. She only now realized her back was damp with cold sweat.


    She leaned against the cold wall, closed her eyes, and tried to calm the storm inside her.


    The idea of having a child with Matthew through IVF to save him had already taken root in her heart. No matter how she tried to shake it, it wouldn''t go away.


    It really did seem like the only way left.


    She knew how much IVF could take out of a person. She knew she was acting on impulse, But Matthew had saved her so many times, and this time, his condition had gotten worse because he was trying to protect her. She couldn''t just watch him die.


    After a while, Reese opened her eyes again. Determination settled over her face


    as she headed toward the doctor''s office.


    Right now, she needed answers. She needed to know how much time Matthew had left.


    In the hospital room, Matthew was leaning against the doorframe. His face was pale, and his eyes were filled withplicated emotions as he stared down the hall.


    He had been worried about Reese and forced himself out of bed to find her. He hadn''t meant to eavesdrop but ended up hearing every word she said to Sebastian.


    Each sentence hit him like a punch to the gut.


    He knew his illness was serious. He knew a stem cell transnt was the only cure. But he never imagined Reese would even consider having a child with him just to save his life