Chapter 168

A small smile touched her lips as she watched. There was something about cute things that could always soothe a troubled heart.

"I can send you the link to this channel," the doctor offered. "There are tons of videos. You can watch them when you're feeling down."

Latisha nodded and took out her own phone to exchange contact information with him. After sending her the link, the doctor stood up. "Well, I'll be on my way then." She nodded and picked up another sign from the stack. It read: GOODBYE.

The doctor smiled, grabbed his medical bag, and left.

Latisha scrolled through the videos, and the heavy feeling in her chest did begin to lift. She thought of Zadok and sent him a message, asking for an update on Mrs. Dashiell.

But there was no reply.

She went back to the videos, watching them over and over. She was so absorbed that she didn't notice someone had entered the room until a shadow fell over her. She looked up with a start.

Her fingers went slack, and the phone clattered to the floor. She instinctively recoiled, her eyes wide with terror.

It was Santino.

"What's the matter, my dear sister-in-law?" he asked, his smile as warm and polite as ever.

If he hadn't worn that exact same smile while smashing her head against a door, she might have thought he was a different person.

Latisha gripped the sofa cushions, her body shaking uncontrollably.

“Are you not feeling well?” he asked, reaching out as if to feel her forehead.

Latisha shoved his hand away with a cry and tumbled off the sofa. Ignoring the sharp pain in her knee, she scrambled to her feet and fled to the nearest room. Santino watched her scurry away like a frightened rabbit and let out a soft chuckle. Latisha slammed the door, locked it, and leaned against it, gasping for breath. Santino didn't follow her. He had heard the front door open. He turned to see Clifford walk in.

"Hi," Santino said smoothly. "It seems my timing is perfect."

Clifford's

Santinges flickered from

the television, which was

still playing, then to the empty living.

room. Latisha was nowher

in sight.

"What do you want?" Clifford asked, his face a mask as he stopped in front of him.

ret

"Nothing much. You're just so busy these days, I can never find you. You don't answer your phone so had to Come here

"And?"

"I wanted to discuss the investment projects with you. The..."

Before he could finish, Clifford's phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID, then shot a look at Santino.

Santino's smile remained plastered on his face, revealing nothing.

Clifford answered the call right in front of him.

Wallace's furious voice erupted from the speaker. "Where are you?"

"Home."

"I don't care where you are. Get back here right now. Do you hear me? Immediately!"

Clifford, seemingly unfazed by the rage, replied calmly, "Alright," and hung up. "That was Dad." He looked at Santino. "It seems you'll have to come with me." "What happened?"

A wry, mocking smile touched Clifford's lips. "Isn't it obvious? Stop pretending. Let's

go."

moment before he nodded and

Santino's expression tightened for a

followed Clifford to the door. As he

was leaving he glanced back at the room Latisha had fled into the door was cracked open just enough for him to see a pair of terrified eyes peering out.

The moment she saw him looking, the door clicked shut.

Santino raised an eyebrow. As he turned back, he found himself staring into Clifford's deep, knowing gaze.