Chapter 104

"Of course," Preston said, his tone shifting. "But... the wedding isn't for another two months. The main thing is, you know how expensive getting married is. We need money for a car, a house, the wedding, the reception-it all costs a fortune."

Now Mrs. Dashiell understood. "You're here for money?"

"Mom, don't say it like that," the woman chimed in. "Kieron is your grandson, too. You should chip in. It's not like we're just asking for a handout."

Disappointment washed over Mrs. Dashiell's face. She slapped her empty pockets. "Do I look like I have any money?"

"Mom, you're back with the Lambert family now. How could you not have money? You've worked for them your whole life. Borrowing a little from them should be easy enough, right?"

His words sent a tremor of rage through Mrs. Dashiell. She pointed a trembling finger at them. "Are... are you even human?" she stammered. "You're so useless you can't even pay for your own son's wedding, so you come after me, an old woman? After how you've treated me all these years? How dare you even show your faces?"

Preston's patience wore thin. "How did I treat you? You told us you had no money, but you seem to be doing just fine now, aren't you? How did you survive if you were so broke?" he shot back. "I think you've been a servant for the Lamberts for so long you've forgotten who your son is. You've forgotten you're even a person!"

Latisha stared at Preston in shock, unable to believe such words could come from a son's mouth. She stepped forward, positioning herself in front of Mrs. Dashiell and signing fiercely, *Get out!*

Preston scowled. "What are you gesturing about? She's my mother. This is family business, it has nothing to do with you."

His wife nudged him, giving him a meaningful look. She plastered on a smile. "Oh, Mrs. Lambert, we're just here to take my mom home. She's too old for this kind of work. We're taking her back so she can retire."

Latisha didn't believe them for a second. If they truly cared about their mother, they never would have let her live in that hovel in the first place.

Preston caught on. "That's right. She's my mother, and I have every right to take her with me. Mrs. Lambert, if you want her to stay, give us five hundred thousand. Otherwise, she's coming with us!"

Latisha froze, staring into Preston's malicious eyes. She knew if Mrs. Dashiell went with them, her life would be miserable.

"Why are you making things difficult

for

Want to go back with you? Fine!

"Mrs. Dashiell said. "Younet

"

Latisha grabbed her arm, shaking her head frantically.

Mrs. Dashiell patted Latisha's arm, her eyes red. "It's okay, Latisha. I've years. What more is there to fear it's

survived the last three velike

they can kill me."

Latisha bit her lip. She had fought so hard to get Mrs. Dashiell here; she couldn't let

her go back to that suffering.

After a moment of silence, she took out her phone and typed a message for Preston.

[I'll give you the money!]

Preston's eyes lit up. "Really? Then give it to me, quick!"

Latisha didn't have the money on her. She typed again: [Give me some time.]

"Fine. We're not in a hurry. We'll wait right here."

"Latisha, don't listen to him,” Mrs.

Dashiell pleaded from the side. "They're a bottomless pit. No

amount of money will ever be

.n

engugh. Please just let me go with them."

But Latisha had already sent a message to Clifford.

[Can I borrow five hundred thousand?]

When she'd asked for a divorce, she had returned all her cards to him. Now, she

was truly penniless.