"Your support system is gone, Reese. Matthew? He''s just a retired soldier. Sure, he still knows a few people in the military, but in the business world, he''s nothing. He can''t help you. So think about it. Do you really want to divorce me? If you drop the divorce ande back, you''ll still be Mrs. Ratcliff, living the good life."


    Reese let out a coldugh, her eyes sharp with contempt. “Sebastian, you really overestimate yourself. The divorce is happening, no question. And just so you know, Matthew is a hundred times, a thousand times better than you. You''re not even in the same league."


    She didn''t wait for him to reply. She hung up and blocked his number in one fluid motion, not even hesitating for a second.


    Afterward, Reese was breathing hard, her fingers gripping her phone so tightly they turned white. The longer she thought about Sebastian''s words, the angrier she got. She realized she couldn''t stand anyone saying anything bad about Matthew, especially not from someone as selfish and fake as Sebastian. It made her want to rip apart his carefully crafted mask.


    Without another thought, she scrolled through her contacts and called Roman.


    He picked up almost right away, his voice steady and calm. "Ms. Meyer, how can I help you?"


    "Mr. Sanchez, the evidence I gave you before, about Sebastian forcing me into surrogacy... can we file a case?"


    There was a pause on the other end. Roman sounded serious. "We can file. But are you sure? If we do, this will go public. Your reputation could take a hit.”


    "I''m sure,” Reese replied, her voice clear and unwavering. Only by filing the case and having the evidence confirmed could she get the court to reopen her divorce.


    “Understood. I''ll keep you updated as soon as there''s any news.”


    "Thank you."


    Reese hung up and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The anger was still there, simmering under her skin.


    Matthew had seen everything. He didn''t say a word at first. Instead he reached out and gently covered her clenched fist with his hand Slowly he loosened her fingers, smoothing them out one by one.


    "Don''t let him get to you. He''s not worth it. It''s just not worth getting this upset over someone like that. I''m fine, really."


    Reese looked up at him, her eyes


    still clouded with frustration and


    hurt, like a kitten with its fur all


    akit


    vel


    puffed up. Seeing her like this,


    Matthew''s heart softened


    glint in his eye. “What, you don''t trust me?"


    He traced his fingertip lightly across her palm, making her twitch with surprise.


    "Forget about all that. Once we finish up at Vista Tech, I''ll take you to your favorite Japanese ce. They''ve got a new salmon belly sushi everyone'' talking about. I bet you''ll love it."


    Reese couldn''t help but smile, the tension in her eyes finally melting away. "Okay," she said softly.