“I don’t need your concern anymore, Zach.”
Zach just stood there, watching as the two of them walked away together. His face was stormy.
“Zach.” Tara checked the time, thinking about when her medicine would start working. She walked up to him and slipped her arm through his. “Please don’t do this. Everyone’s watching. This isn’t the time for a scene.”
Zach glanced around, noticing the people staring at them. That just made him more annoyed. He pulled his arm away, his voice sharp. “Why are you here?”
The coldness in his eyes stung. Tara lowered her head, her voice small and shaky. “I heard you came to the conference alone. I thought maybe you could use some help.”
He looked her over, noticing how pale she was and how sick she still looked. Only then did he remember she’d just gotten out of the hospital after her pregnancy scare.
His expression softened a little. “You shouldn’t be here. If you’re not feeling well, you should rest at home.”
It had been so long since Zach had shown her even a hint of kindness. Just those few words made Tara’s heart skip. She smiled at him, a tiny bit of hope lighting up her eyes.
But Zach wasn’t really looking at her. His gaze was fixed on Reese and Matthew, watching them with that intense, possessive look Tara knew too well.
Her smile froze. A rush of anger and frustration burned through her. She clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms. Part of her wanted to storm over and slap Reese right then and there.
However, she took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She couldn’t lose it, not when she had plans.
“What did Reese say to you just now? You look awful. And who’s that guy with her?”
Zach’s face darkened. “That’s none of your business. Stay out of it.”
The medicine was starting to work. Tara pressed her hand to her aching stomach, sweat starting to form on her forehead.
“I can’t just stay out of it.” She steadied herself, eyes locked on Reese. “She’s still my sister, no matter what’s happened. I can’t just watch her make a mistake.”
Tara’s stomach cramped again, but she forced a smile and glanced at Matthew nearby. “You’re still married to Mr. Ratcliff, aren’t you? Is it really a good idea to be out in public with another man like this?”
Reese fought the urge to roll her eyes. “That’s none of your business.”
Why did everyone suddenly care so much about her private life?
“If that’s it, I’m going back.”
Reese turned to leave, but Tara stepped forward and grabbed her wrist.
“Wait, Reese.” Pain shot through Tara’s stomach, and her grip tightened. “Aren’t you worried the Ratcliff family will find out about you and him? What do you think they’ll do?
“What you do is up to you, but to the Ratcliffs, you’re still my cousin. If your choices end up hurting my family, my dad won’t just let it go.”

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