Chapter 185

Mortimer stiffened and shot Sean a glare. He turned back to Latisha with an

awkward laugh. "Don't listen to him. I was just in the neighborhood and thought I'd check on you. Seeing as you're awake, you must be doing okay."

Latisha signed, *How much did you pay?*

Mortimer felt a pang of guilt. “Not much. Don't worry about it."

Judging by his clothes, he didn't come from an ordinary family. And to be at an event like that, he had to be someone important. She decided she would find a way to repay him later.

*The community center you mentioned,* she signed, *what is it?*

Mortimer smiled. “It's just a local center. My dad started some charity association but never bothered to run it, so I took over for him. After visiting places like that, I realized how many people genuinely need help. So now I volunteer whenever I can and keep an eye on his association for him."

Latisha nodded. So that was it. No wonder he had rescued her. Anyone else, knowing it was Clifford's car, would have chosen to look the other way.

*You're amazing,* she signed.

"That's nothing," Sean chimed in. "Mortimer also set up a stray animal shelter. He's got tons of cats and dogs there."

Mortimer flushed with embarrassment. "It's no big deal, really."

Watching them, Latisha felt a pang of envy. They were so full of life and purpose, doing things they loved.

Noticing the sadness in her eyes, Mortimer asked, "What's wrong? You seem down. When you're better, I can take you to the shelter. The puppies and kittens are really cute."

Latisha wanted to say yes, but she stopped herself and shook her head.

*I'm not interested in that sort of thing.*

She could barely face Mrs. Dashiell anymore, let alone a shelter full of animals. Nikita had already suffered because of her. These two boys were kind, and she didn't want to drag them into her mess.

"That's a shame," Mortimer said, disappointed. "But hey, if you ever change your mind, the offer still stands."

Latisha nodded. *How much was the hospital bill? I'll pay you back.*

Mortimer waved his hands. “No,

really, don't worry about it! What you qwe is less than what I spend on dog food in a day." "

Latisha lowered her gaze, silent.

Mortimer looked around. "Right, do you need me to call your family?"

*No, thank you,* she signed. *I'll go home on my own in a bit.*

"Alright then, I should get going too. If you need to find me, you can... here, just take my card."

Mortimer placed a business card

the table, then stood up and left with

Sean. Lätisha watched until their

backs disappeared down the

hallway before slowly looking away.

...

Clifford drove back to the Lambert estate. When Yesenia saw the grand gates, her face soured.

"Why did you bring me here?"

Clifford shot her a cool glance. "Weren't you the one who insisted on coming?"

Yesenia was speechless. "How was I supposed to know you were coming here?"

"And where did you think I was going?"

"I thought you were going to find that mute. Fine." She opened the door with a huff. "I'll get home myself."

this place. The few

Yesenia hated th

times she had visited, even the

servants had looked at her like she

was something scraped off the

bottom of a shoe. She had no official standing here. She could be arrogant anywhere else, but at the Lambert estate she had to swallow her pride Polly, especially looked down her nose at her every time they met. Why should she bother trying to win over people who clearly despised her?