Chapter 205

Latisha stood there, numb. As his words sank in, she suddenly understood everything. He hadn't brought her here out of kindness; it was just a more effective way to control her.

If she chose the treatment, who would pay the exorbitant daily medical bills? Only Clifford could. And in return, she would have to go back to being his obedient pet, at his beck and call. If she chose not to treat her, she would be personally responsible for Mrs. Dashiell's death.

He hadn't given her a choice at all. This was a threat.

Slowly, Latisha lifted her head and looked at Clifford. He was as calm and composed as ever, completely in control of the situation. Why wouldn't he be? Latisha clenched her fists, closed her eyes, and gave a single, sharp nod.

Clifford reached out and stroked her cheek. "Good," he murmured, his tone deceptively doting. "We'll treat her, just as you wish."

Latisha opened her eyes and offered him a small, obedient smile. Under the bright hallway lights, with her eyes still red from crying, it was a look that for a fleeting moment made it seem like old times. But her eyes no longer held the same tender love they once did when she looked at him.

Clifford's fingers moved up to the corner of her eye, catching a tear before it could fall and wiping it away. "I'll hire a caregiver for her," he said. "If you want to visit, you let me know, and I'll bring you. Do you understand?"

Latisha nodded slightly and signed: *I understand.*

“Let's go back,” Clifford said, dropping his hand and turning to leave.

Latisha followed silently behind him. They walked, one after the other, to the parking garage.

The moment they got in the car, his phone rang. At this hour, it could only be Yesenia.

Clifford pulled out his phone, powered it off without a second thought, and slipped it into his pocket. Then, as if struck by another idea, he turned to Latisha.

"Do you need a check-up?"

She flinched. Biting her lip, she shook her head. *No, I don't.*

"Are you sure?"

*I'm fine,* she signed. *I only fainted because I was hungry.*

He studied her for a few seconds, a thoughtful look on his face, but didn't push her

to see a doctor. He started the car and drove them home.

Back at the house, Clifford didn't retreat to his study. Instead, he accompanied her

to the bedroom. He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.

It seemed that whenever they slept, he held her like this, so close she could feel the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. Staring at the smooth expanse of his chest. her eyelashes fluttered against his skin. The hand resting on her waist suddenly slipped under her shirt.

Latisha tensed.

Clifford's voice rumbled from above her. "These past few times... have you been taking your pill?”

She tilted her head up and found him staring down at her. Latisha shook her head.

There was no point anymore. The

doctor had said that if she couldn't avoid this kind of activity for at least a month, getting pregnant again would be extremely difficult. After everything she'd been through the chances were probably nonexistent anyway.

Clifford watched her intently, his gaze so sharp it felt like he was trying to see right through her. He lowered his head until their noses were touching.

"Do you want to have a baby?" he asked, his breath mingling with hers.

Latisha's fingers curled into fists, her lips pressed into a thin line. A long moment

passed before she slowly shook her head.

His eyes darkened. "You really don't?" he asked again.

She shook her head once more.

The next second, he bit down on her lip, hard, a clear act of punishment. A sharp pain bloomed, and she

tasted blood. Only after drawing net

blood did he release her,

immediately reaching up to wipe the crimson stain from her mouth.

"If you don't want one," he said coldly, "then take the pill."