Chapter 186

If Clifford intended to marry her, she might have endured it, but as things stood, there was no point.

Just as Yesenia was about to leave, another car pulled up, blocking her path. Renata got out, holding a child, and paused when she saw Yesenia.

"Yesenia, what are you doing here?" Renata's eyes flicked to the man getting out of the car behind her before a smile bloomed on her face. "Clifford hasn't brought you around in ages. Why don't you come inside?"

Yesenia forced a laugh. “No, it's fine. I have something to do. Maybe next time."

"But you can't get a cab out here. And it's late. It's not safe. Just stay the night," Renata insisted warmly. Although she also looked down on Yesenia, she preferred her to the mute.

Yesenia glanced at Clifford.

"I'll have a driver take you home," he said.

Yesenia's smile twitched. "Alright, then. I won't call for a ride."

Clifford took out his phone and arranged for a car, which arrived shortly to whisk Yesenia away. Only then did Renata turn to him, her expression serious. "Clifford, can we talk?"

Clifford already knew what she wanted to discuss. "Get in."

Renata nodded, handed the child to a nanny, and followed him into his Maybach. He drove them to a more secluded spot on the property.

"I've made my decision," Renata said firmly. “I'm selling the shares.”

Clifford toyed with a lighter, flicking it open and closed. He only lit the cigarette in his mouth after she spoke.

"You're sure?"

"Yes. No matter what, I can't abandon Santino. He's Jaden's father, and he's my husband." Her voice was resolute; it was a decision she had wrestled with all night. She even harbored a small hope that if she helped him out of this mess, he might finally change his attitude toward her. Maybe their relationship would deepen.

At the mention of "the child's father," a cryptic smile played on Clifford's lips. He took the cigarette from his mouth a

mouth and turned to her. "Fine. I'll

have someone come by tomorrow. You can talk to him then."

"Is he trustworthy?"

"Do you trust me?" Clifford countered.

Renata hesitated for a fraction of a second before her resolve hardened. "Of course

I trust you. You're my brother. Who else would I trust?"

"Good. Now, you can walk back. I have things to do."

Renata nodded, opened the door, and got out. It wasn't far; the walk would only take a few minutes.

Once she was gone, Clifford drove to the hospital.

By now, Latisha was cleared to leave. She noticed the hospital's name it was the same one where Mrs. Dashiell was staying. Without a second thought, she headed for her room.

Mrs. Dashiell was in a standard

three-person ward. The rooms were full, and beds even lined the hallways, creating a chaotic atmosphere. Latisha couldn't find her in the room, so she searched the confider and finally found her tucked away in a corner. A nurse stood by the bed, muttering to herself.

"I don't understand some people. They just dump a person here and disappear. They don't answer their phones, they don't visit... Are we supposed to be treating her or not?"