Chapter 170

Clifford nodded slightly. "I understand."

"Good. We can't openly confront him yet. I want you to find evidence that he embezzled the funds. Force him to return the money."

"Alright."

"Now get out. Send Santino in," Wallace said with a dismissive wave.

Clifford inclined his head and left the study.

Downstairs, Santino was talking with Renata. They both stood up when Clifford appeared.

Renata was the most anxious, terrified that Santino would be thrown out or, worse, sent to prison, turning her fairytale romance into a nightmare.

"How did it go, bro?" she asked.

Clifford's gaze settled on Santino. "Dad wants to see you in the study."

Panic flared in Renata's eyes. She grabbed Santino's hand. “It's going to be okay, right?"

She had overheard her father on the phone earlier and had been on edge ever since.

Santino patted her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. I'll be right back."

He gently pulled his hand away and headed upstairs.

"Bro, you have to help him," Renata pleaded, turning to Clifford. "He's been so dedicated to the company these past two years. He's never made a mistake. You know that."

Clifford glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Don't worry. He'll be fine... for now."

"For now? What does that mean?"

"Exactly what it sounds like," Clifford said coolly, brushing past her and walking out of the house.

Renata paced frantically, begging Polly to intervene, but her mother was more annoyed than concerned As far as Polly was concerned as long as her own son was safe, she couldn't care less about anyone else.

Half an hour later, Santino came downstairs, his expression as calm and composed

as ever.

Renata rushed to him. "What happened?"

"Renata, I have to go out for a bit. We'll talk when I get back," he said with a soft smile, patting her head before leaving.

Just then, the baby started crying, and Renata had no choice but to attend to her

son.

Once outside, the smile vanished

from Santino's face. He walked to a secluded spot and made a call The other end picked up but remained silent, waiting.

"You moved fast,” Santino said, his voice tight. "Did you already transfer all the money from those companies?"

After a few seconds of silence, the voice on the other end replied, "What if I told you it wasn't me?"

Santino's eyes narrowed. "What does that mean?"

"It means that before I could make a move, all of those companies went under. I didn't transfer a single cent."

The color drained from Santino's face. "Are you sure? You're not lying to me?"

"Why would I lie? We're partners, but our goal was never just about the money, was

it?"

"I know that," Santino snapped. "This

isn't you

the money. It's t dort then th

complicated than thos

.net>

"How so?"

"It's Clifford. It has to be him."