Chapter 136

He wanted money, not a murder charge.

Tears welled in Mrs. Dashiell's eyes.

"Ten months I carried you, only to give birth to an animal like you. This must be my punishment!" she cried. "Look at this house you live in, the clothes you wear, the car you drive! Every bit of it was bought with my blood and sweat! And still, you're not satisfied. You good-for-nothing! You'll get what's coming to you one day!"

Since returning, Preston had forced her to sleep on the sofa with a tattered blanket. She had to use a separate bowl and wasn't allowed at the table until the rest of the family had finished eating. But what broke her heart the most was that her grandson, influenced by his father, watched her mistreatment with cold indifference. What kind of a family of monsters had she raised?

"Shut up!" Preston roared, cutting her off. "Get back in the kitchen and cook! What are you doing out here, running your mouth?"

Mrs. Dashiell, her body stooped with age, stared at her son, then at Latisha. A look of grim determination crossed her face.

"Preston,” she said, her voice trembling but firm, "if I die, you won't get a single penny."

Preston's face paled, and Latisha shot to her feet.

"What are you talking about?” Preston demanded.

"I'm old. I've lived long enough. If you ever dare to ask Latisha for money again, I'll bash my head against the wall right here in your home. Forget about your son getting married! You'll be a murderer! I'll make sure you go to prison!"

Preston was so furious he wanted to beat her, but he held back, knowing he couldn't.

At that moment, Zadok stood up.

"Preston, there's something I must tell you."

Preston turned, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.

P

"I am not the young master' you think I am. My name is Zadok Blaine, and I am your mother's lawyer. Everything you've said has been recorded and will be used in co evidence of elder abuse ando extortion."

as

Zadok held up the voice recorder he had concealed in his pocket. The sight of it drained the color from Preston's face. When he recovered, he shot a venomous glare at Latisha. "You mute bitch! You set me up!"

Latisha held his gaze, refusing to back down. They had already crossed the point of

no return. If this wasn't resolved now, the problems would only multiply. Fear wouldn't solve anything.

"What do you want?" Preston snarled.

"You have two options," Zadok said.

"First, you let us take your mother, and you sign an agreement promising never to contact her again second, we proceed with legal action. I've already spoken with your neighbors on this floor. Their

testimony, combined with this

recording..."

He paused for effect. "The evidence is overwhelming. If this goes to court, you will

lose. You'll be facing a prison sentence of at least three years."

Preston knew nothing about the law and was completely thrown by Zadok's

confident declaration. He stood frozen, speechless. The money had been within his grasp, and he couldn't stand to lose it.

"If I sign the agreement, you won't sue me?"

"As long as you sever ties with your mother and don't cause any more trouble, we won't press charges," Zadok confirmed. "But I will keep this evidence. If you violate the agreement, you will receive, a summons.”

Preston let out a bitter laugh, his eyes fixed on Latisha. "I never thought a mute could be so clever."

But ultimately, he had no choice. "Fine," he spat through gritted teeth. "If you want this old hag so badly, take her!"

His heartless words made Mrs. Dashiell tremble with rage. Latisha rushed to her side and supported her, a feeling of relief washing over her. Her family was back.

But her joy was short-lived. Her phone vibrated. She pulled it out and saw a message from Clifford.

[Where are you?]