"We couldn't even go to a restaurant without women talking about him, knowing we were right there. They said horrible things and not just about him, but me too. That has to get old after a while. I mean, Sebastian has feelings too," I declare.

Evelyn scoffs. "Does he?"

"Yeah, he does," I reply, glaring at her.

"Of course he has feelings. Don't talk about your brother like that," Ruby reprimands. She takes a deep breath and refocuses on me. "Georgia, it's not up to me who becomes CEO. That's Jacob's business."

"But this isn't right," I add.

She slowly shrugs. "It is what it is, dear. No one's going to change Jacob's mind."

Silence fills the air.

The server places our food on the table. I stare at it, thinking about how I made Sebastian pancakes and figured out a recipe he actually enjoyed. It makes tears well in my eyes.

Ruby taps her fork on my plate. "You need to eat, Georgia. Go on, take a bite."

I glance at her, then back at the pancakes. To appease her, I cut a piece off and shove it in my mouth, but I can barely taste it. Several minutes pass while everyone eats in silence.

Ruby clears her throat and drills her eyes into mine. "We'd love to have you for Christmas. And I don't think Sebastian will be there, but I can also tell him not to come if he plans on it."

Shock fills me. I tear up again but say, "Sebastian's your son. If anyone deserves to be at your house at Christmas, it's him."

She smiles. "You deserve to be there too."

I look away. This is all too much. I love the Cartwrights, but I'm not with Sebastian. I'm never going to be with Sebastian again. The longer I'm with them, the more this will continue to hurt. I reply, "Thank you for the offer. But I have other plans."

"Oh?" she asks.

"Melanie invited me over to her house," I admit.

Ruby pats my hand. "I'm sure that will be nice. We'll miss you though."

My heart hurts more. I confess, "I'll miss all of you."

We finish our breakfast, keeping the conversation to things that don't have to do with Sebastian or me. They drop me off at my apartment, making me promise to let them know if I need anything or change my mind about Christmas. I go inside, relieved to be alone again.

All day, I can't stop thinking about how Sebastian lost his CEO role. It's not fair. By nighttime, I can't handle it anymore.