Chapter 266

Santino, however, only smiled. He had no intention of moving. "Clifford, you came here all by yourself. Don't you think that's a rather foolish thing to say?"

Clifford's eyes narrowed, a scornful curve touching his lips. "Why don't you take a guess as to why I dared to come alone?"

Santino studied him for a moment, trying to read his expression, but eventually gave up. "It doesn't matter." He turned his head and called toward the kitchen, "Latisha, come out."

At his words, a flicker of something unsettled crossed Clifford's face. His gaze snapped to the kitchen, his eyes locked on the doorway. A few seconds later, Latisha slowly emerged, her head bowed as she stood by the entrance.

Seeing Clifford's reaction, Santino's smile widened with satisfaction. He continued, “Latisha, tell Mr. Lambert. Are you willing to go back with him?"

Clifford's gaze burned into her.

Latisha was silent. The silence stretched on, thick and heavy.

“Latisha, you get over here right now!" Clifford's voice suddenly boomed, laced with a clear threat.

Latisha flinched. To her, it didn't make much difference whether she was with Santino or with Clifford. But the thought that Clifford didn't need her, that she was always the one who wasn't chosen, that he would sacrifice her for anyone or anything—that made the idea of returning to him unbearable. Her presence or absence changed nothing in his life. He was only here now because of his own competitive male pride. The memories replayed in her mind, each one a sharp reminder that in his heart, she was nothing.

The tension in the courtyard was palpable, a silent war waged between the two men as they waited for her decision.

Finally, Latisha lifted her head and looked at the man who had once been her entire world. He looked at her with the same old certainty, as if he believed that no matter what, all he had to do was beckon and she would come running back.

A bitter smile touched Latisha's lips. This time, she gave a slow, deliberate shake of her head.

Clifford's expression shifted, and his face darkened visibly. He started toward her.

Santino grabbed his arm, but Clifford swung around, sending a fist flying at his face Santino sidestepped the attack, but his other hand lashed out toward Clifford, a dagger appearing as if from nowhere. The sharp blade glinted as it sliced toward Clifford's neck.

Clifford moved with lightning speed, jerking his head back to dodge the blade while simultaneously grabbing Santino's wrist, his fingers digging into the tendons.

Santino was just as fast. The moment Clifford's grip tightened, he relaxed his hand, letting the dagger fall. He caught it with his left hand in mid-ai and thrust backward. Clifford retreated, the tip of the blade grazing his cheek as Santino s stomach took the full force of his kick. Both men stumbled back, putting distance between them.

Clifford raised a hand to his cheek, his fingertips.coming away stained with blood Santino staggered back several steps before catching his balance. We clutched his stomach a dusty footprint marring his white shirt.

Watching them fight, Latisha felt a surge of panic. No matter who won, it would be no victory for her.

Santino grinned. "I didn't expect you to have a few moves."

"You've surprised me as well, Santino," Clifford retorted coldly.

Both men were smiling, but their eyes were filled with killing intent.

Santino toyed with the dagger as he slowly advanced on Clifford. Just as another

clash seemed imminent, Santino froze.

A dark, metallic barrel was now pointed directly between his eyes.