<b>Chapter </b><b>24 </b>


    “Just take it,” Stephen insisted, pressing the card into Reba’s hand. “Jeffrey crossed a line. As his older brother, I can’t just stand by.”


    Reba felt her blood run cold. Letting the card sit there felt wrong, but keeping it felt even worse.


    Stephen smoothly changed the subject. “Emily’s sses are on Saturdays, from 8 to 11 a.m.


    “The rate is $500 per session. You can get paid after each ss or settle monthly. If she enjoys it, we might expand–but I’ll discuss it with you first.”


    Reba wanted to say no. The pay was generous. But if Stephen was going to be around every time, no amount of money would be worth the stress.


    As if reading her mind, Stephen said calmly, “You’ll be working directly with Emily. Most of the time, it’ll just be you, her, and the servants.”


    Reba nced up, her resolve wavering.


    “If everything sounds alright, I’ll call Lucas now, and we can get the contract signed,” Stephen continued patiently.


    “I–I’d like some time to think it over,” Reba said hesitantly.


    “If you have any concerns, just tell me,” Stephen replied warmly, like a caring big brother. “I’ll help you work through them.“–


    Reba didn’t dare speak honestly. She couldn’t exactly say, “I’m afraid you’ll manipte me.”


    After a pause, she made up an excuse. “My mom is having surgery soon, and I’m worried the timing might conflict.”


    Stephen reassured her gently. “Don’t worry about that. I’ll exin your situation to Lucas.


    “Emily has a flexible schedule–it can be adjusted around your avability. And if it really doesn’t work out, you’re free to leave anytime.”


    At this point, refusing would seem too deliberate. Reba handed the card back to him. “Then, thanks for exining my situation to Mr. Reed. Since I’ll have a job now, I won’t need this.”


    “Alright.” Stephen nodded, not pressing further.


    Ten minutester, Reba signed the part–time contract. She’d gone through the terms carefully–no hidden uses, no penalties for quitting early, no tricky conditions.


    Stephen invited her to stay for dinner, but she quickly made an excuse and left in a hurry.


    The moment she stepped out of the vi, Lucas came down the stairs, one hand casually in his pocket.


    “I wonder how Jeffrey would feel if he knew his precious Reba just signed on to be Emily’s dance teacher,” he teased.


    “It doesn’t matter,” Stephen replied, hisposure unshaken.


    Lucas tilted his head slightly. “Should we let someone ‘identally‘ mention it to him?”


    “No need,” Stephen said calmly. “He probably already knows.”


    Jeffrey did know. He stared at the message Stanley had sent him, his eyes cold. ‘I never expected that Reba would dare get involved with Stephen. She really has no fear of danger,‘ he thought.


    “I told you not to push her too hard,” Stanley remarked. He clearly enjoyed pushing Jeffrey’s buttons. “Now look, you’ve practically delivered her to Stephen on a silver tter.”


    20:27 Sun, 14 Sept


    Jeffrey’s grip lightened around his phone, the air around him growing heavy.


    Stanley added kindly. “If you don’t make a move soon, Stephen’s definitely going to stir up more trouble.”


    “Let him be,” Jeffrey said, his deep eyes unreadable,


    “Alright.” Stanley shrugged, dropping the matter. “Reba is not my wife, anyway. It’s not my problem who’s after her or who uses her.”


    Jeffrey stayed silent.


    Stanley didn’t press him; he knew Jeffrey already had things figured out.


    “But there’s something I’ve always wondered,” Stanley said, pulling a chair closer, his eyes bright with curiosity.


    34/%


    “Stephen never lets anyone know who he likes–afraid you might use it against him. But you’re theplete opposite.” He paused. “It’s like you want everyone to know how much you care about Reba.”


    Jeffrey gazed out at the darkening sky, not hiding his thoughts. “When you care about someone, don’t <i>you </i>want the whole world to know<i>?</i><i>” </i>


    Stanley was quiet for a moment. Then he asked, “Do you still have feelings for Reba?”


    “I don’t waste time on people who don’t matter,” Jeffrey replied, answering Stanley’s question indirectly.


    Stanley pressed on, “If you care, then why get a divorce?”


    Jeffrey shot him a sidelong nce but didn’t answer.


    “Does Andrea mean that much to you?” Stanley continued, unwilling to let it go. “Enough that you’d give up Reba–the one you’ve spoiled all these years?”


    “Without Andrea, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” Jeffrey said inly, never one to hide his feelings. “And Reba wouldn’t even be in my life if it weren’t for her.”


    “What exactly did Andrea do for you? Save your life? Pull you out of some dark ce when you were younger?” Stanley asked, genuinely curious. “Or was it something even bigger?”


    Jeffrey didn’t answer.


    Stanley kept his eyes fixed on him, not letting up.


    “Where’s the ring?” Jeffrey changed the subject, steering the conversation back.


    Stanley quickly pulled an elegant velvet box from his coat and handed it over.


    Jeffrey took it, stood up, and walked out without another word. Just as he got into his car, he received a call from home–Samuel had been picked up by


    Reba.


    “Take me to Maple Garden,” Jeffrey instructed the driver.


    Half an hourter, Reba arrived at their new home with Samuel.


    She had brought back a small cake–his favorite–and lit a candle before gently holding him in her arms. “It’s our first time in such a small ce. You doing okay?”


    “Totally,” Samuel beamed. “As long as I’m with you, Mommy, anywhere feels like home.”


    “You’re so sweet,” Reba said, her heart warming. “I promise–one day we’ll live in a big house again.”


    20:27 Sun, 14 Sept


    “Nuh uh.” Samuel shook his head.


    843.41<b>% </b>


    Reba was puzzled. “Hmm?”


    “I’ll be the one to get us a big house again,” Samuel said, his eyes shining with determination. “I’ll make you even happier than you were with Dad.”


    Reba gently booped his nose. “You sweet talker.”


    Samuel giggled in her arms, and together they blew out the candles.


    Just as they sat down to enjoy dinner, a knock came at the door.


    Reba hesitated for a moment before answering. Seeing it was Jeffrey, she tried to shut the door–but he easily pushed it open.


    “What are you doing here?” Reba asked. Knowing resistance was pointless, she let go.


    “Victor told me you picked up Samuel,” Jeffrey said as he stepped inside calmly. “I thought I’d check if he’s settling in okay.”


    Just then, he noticed Samuel sitting at the dining table.


    Before Jeffrey could speak, Samuel looked up and said, “I like it here. Anywhere is home as long as I’m with Mommy.”


    “Heard him?” Reba said coldly, desperately wanting to kick Jeffrey out.


    “d to hear it,” Jeffrey smiled, walking over to ruffle Samuel’s hair. “But if you ever change your mind,e to me. I’m right next door in unit 1801.”


    Reba froze, shocked.


    Samuel’s eyes went wide, just as stunned.


    AD