Chapter 197

At the same time, Latisha received a call from the caregiver, who was quitting. Latisha couldn't speak, desperately wanting to ask what was wrong but unable to form the words. It was fine when she left last night!

The caregiver spoke quickly. "How can I return your money? Maybe you can come by tomorrow... no, on second thought, you should probably come now. I have a bad feeling about the old lady..."

Latisha gripped the phone, her mind racing. She hated her silence more than ever.

After the call ended, she immediately sent a text, explaining that she couldn't speak and asking for details about Mrs. Dashiell. She glanced upstairs, debating whether to go to Clifford, but ultimately decided against it. She sat on the sofa, clutching her phone, waiting for a reply.

The caregiver was likely busy, because a long time passed with no response. Latisha looked at the clock. It was ten p.m.

The anxiety triggered a splitting headache. It felt like needles were piercing her skull, and the world began to spin. She curled up on the sofa, digging her fingers into her scalp, biting her lip against the pain.

*Just get through this. It will pass.*

The minutes stretched into an eternity.

Her phone vibrated, and she scrambled to pick it up. Her hands trembled as she unlocked it. It was a reply from the caregiver.

[The old lady's son showed up, saying he was stopping treatment and taking her home. But there was still money left on her account, so the doctors wanted her to stay for two more days. He caused a huge scene, demanding a refund. I think the stress of it all made Mrs. Dashiell collapse. She was rushed to the ER, and when she came out, the doctor just shook his head. Preston got scared then and stopped demanding the money, but he left right after. The old lady is all alone. I'm afraid if something happens, the family will blame me, so I can't do this anymore. The doctor had issued a critical condition notice. It was unlikely she would recover.]

Latisha read the messages, her

chest tightening until she could barely breathe. Preston? Why

would

acoin was too much of

he show up now?

acoincidence content belongs te

She forced herself to think, to calm the throbbing in her head. When the pain

subsided slightly, she looked upstairs.

Could he really be that cruel?

Pushing her weak body to its feet, Latisha started towards the study. Each step was a struggle her body swaying as if it might give out at any moment. She didn't knock, just pushed the door open.

Clifford was on the sofa, one leg crossed over the other, listening to someone on the phone. He glanced up his brow furrowing slightly when he saw her pale face, before turning his attention back to the call.

Latisha walked over and stood before him, watching him intently.

"Alright, I understand," he said, then ended the call and finally looked at her.

She stared back, her hands forming the question: *Why?*

He watched her fingers but said nothing.

*I already promised you,* she signed. *Why won't you leave her alone?*