“You don’t really want to see the Meyer family fall apart, do you?”
“Not a chance.” Reese shot back, not even pausing to consider it.
“Don’t be so quick to say no.” Bailey’s laugh was soft but smug, like he already knew what she’d say. “I’ve got dirt on Dylon from his early days at Ramos Corporation. We’re talking embezzlement, fraud, all felonies. What do you think would happen to Ramos Corporation if I went public with this, or handed it to the police?”
Reese’s eyebrow lifted, a flash of sarcasm in her eyes. Her father was unbelievable. Always using the company to guilt her, trying to make her protect the Meyer family. He never stopped to think that her mother had poured just as much into Ramos Corporation. That was her mother’s legacy too.
Still…
“You think you can blackmail me with that?”
“Blackmail is a strong word,” Bailey replied, all calm confidence. “Let’s just call it a reminder. If you drop the charges, this evidence disappears. No one ever needs to know.”
Matthew moved closer, quietly resting his hand on her shoulder. He didn’t say anything, but his touch said it all. I’m here. You’re not alone.
Reese let out a quiet laugh. “Bailey, it doesn’t matter what you say or do. I’m not dropping the case. Nothing is more important to me than getting justice for my mom.”
“If you really have proof of what Dylon did, just give it to the police or leak it. Go ahead.” Her tone was steady, almost relieved.
Honestly, it was perfect timing. The police still needed more solid evidence on Dylon’s scheme with Ramos Corporation’s stocks. Bailey’s information, however he’d found it, could be exactly what she needed.
Bailey clearly didn’t expect her to call his bluff. He went silent for a few seconds, then his voice turned cold. “Reese, don’t make me regret giving you this chance.”
She met his anger with icy calm. “Respect is earned, not given. Do what you want. I’m ready.”
…
Across town, in a luxury hotel room, Vivian sat on the edge of the bed, phone pressed to her ear. Sebastian’s voice was low and sharp.
“Have you figured out Reese’s weak spot yet?”
“Not… not yet,” Vivian replied, playing up her fear. “Mr. Ratcliff, the only big thing happening at Ramos Corporation right now is their development plan for the next two years. But Reese and Patrick said it’s confidential…”
She and Reese had cooked up this story together yesterday, after finding out Sebastian had someone tailing her.
“Oh? Confidential, huh?” Sebastian sounded interested now. He was obviously intrigued. It might not be as explosive as the surrogacy evidence Reese held, but with how much Reese cared about Ramos Corporation, it could be just the leverage he needed.

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