Chapter 179

She let her hands drop, slumping against the cold glass and staring out at the manicured gardens.

How laughable. Clifford had brought her along on his date with Yesenia. Locked in the car, was she the dog guarding his vehicle? The comparison felt disturbingly accurate.

A bitter, self-mocking smile twisted her lips as tears streamed down her face. Twenty years of devotion to a man who treated her like an animal. It was pathetic. It was tragic.

Yesenia linked her arm through Clifford's, her hand snaking into his pocket. "I'm freezing. What took you so long?"

"Why didn't you wear something warmer?" Clifford asked, glancing at her sleeveless evening gown, her bare arms exposed to the cold night air.

"It's for the occasion. I have a coat, but I can't wear it inside."

Without another word, Clifford shrugged off his own overcoat and handed it to her. "Put this on."

Yesenia's face brightened. She took the coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Thank you, darling."

She leaned in to kiss him, but he gently turned her face away.

"Let's go inside."

She pouted but tightened her grip on his arm as they walked into the hotel.

The so-called film industry gala was essentially a networking event for directors, investors, and a select few high-profile actors. For a newcomer like Yesenia, it was a rare opportunity. While many had heard rumors about the powerful man backing her, no one had seen him, so she lacked real credibility.

This event was her chance to prove it. Tonight would determine her future in the industry. If her backer truly was Clifford Lambert, she would have an endless stream of resources, regardless of her acting talent.

The moment

it Yesenia entered on

Clifford's arm, they became the center of attention. Clifford was a titan of investment, a difficult man

to get an audience with. Yen

attendees had been hoping for a chance to see him in person. He was even more imposing and

charismatic than he appeared on television.

Walking beside him, Yesenia lifted her chin, reveling in the borrowed power.

"Mr. Lambert, an honor to finally meet you," a middle-aged man said, approaching with an outstretched hand. "I'm the host of this evening's event.”

Clifford nodded and shook his hand. “Mr. Farley. Yesenia has mentioned you. The kingmaker of this industry, I believe."

Mr. Farley laughed, waving a dismissive hand. "Hardly, hardly. Ms. Winslet is too kind. I'm just a simple businessman."

Since their industries didn't typically overlap, they had never formally met, though they were aware of each other's reputations. With this being Mr. Farley's event, Clifford's

of respect and

presence was a signe

Farley intended to make the most of

it.

"This way, Mr. Lambert. There are a few people I'd like you to meet. I'm sure they

will be a great help to Ms. Winslet's future career."

Clifford inclined his head and followed him toward the second floor.

...

Outside, Latisha had been sitting in

the car for what felt like an eternity. Despite the cracked window, the air inside was thin and stale. She felt dizzy and nauseous. The cold air seeping through the crack did little to help only making her shivers uncontrollably. She hugged her knees, curling into a tight ball.

Every time someone passed by, she would pound on the window, but no one ever heard her.

Just then, she spotted a young man smoking near the front of the car. A spark of hope ignited within her, and she hammered on the glass with her fists.