Chapter 268

Santino shrugged, unconcerned about his injuries.

"What's the matter? In a hurry to get to the shareholders' meeting?" His gaze shifted meaningfully to Latisha. "Since that meeting is so important to you, why don't you just go? You can't possibly want both the power and the woman, can you? There's no such thing as having it all in this world."

At his words, Latisha also looked at Clifford. Deep down, she already knew she was nothing compared to his career. But the human heart is prone to foolish hope. If only he would hesitate for a single moment, if there was just one instant where he chose her, she felt she could die happy. Even if the bomb on her ankle blew her to pieces, she would gladly help him achieve his goals.

Their eyes met across the cold, windswept courtyard. The wind rustled the loose strands of hair around Latisha's face. Behind them, the lush green mountains stood like a watercolor painting.

Latisha's silent defiance made it clear she was siding with Santino now. She wanted an answer from Clifford. If he agreed to stay for twenty-three hours, she would go with him willingly.

The reins he held had slipped too far from his grasp. To get them back, he would have to sacrifice a great deal and chase them a long, long way.

"This is what you want, isn't it?" Clifford asked her.

Latisha's gaze wavered. She turned her head, unable to look at him. Her silence was her answer.

Clifford laughed, a harsh, humorless sound. "Excellent. It's only been two days, and your new master has already trained you so well."

Latisha flinched. New master...? She stared at him, a horrifying realization dawning on her. He really had always seen her as a pet, and himself as her master. How laughable!

A desolate and utterly disappointed expression filled her eyes. Fueled by a surge of defiant anger, she turned and walked over to Santino, helping him to his feet.

Clifford watched them, his expression unreadable.

Santino was a wreck, covered in mud and blood, but his expression was as arrogant as ever. This time, he had won.

"If you like him so much, then I'll

send you both to hell.” Clifford raised the gun that again pointing it at the two of them, his eyes filled with raw killing intent.

Santino tightened his grip on Latisha's hand, pulling her into his arms. “Are you afraid to die?" he whispered gently.

Latisha clenched her fists. She knew Santino was deliberately provoking Clifford. She closed her eyes and shook her head. She hadn't wanted to live fore long time anyway. They all used threats against her. If Clifford killed her himself, then no one could threaten her anymore. After all, this was his choice.

The sight of them embracing was blinding, more glaring than the distant sun. Clifford's finger rested on the trigger, his eyes fixed on them.

Just as he was about to pull it, he stopped. He slowly lowered his hand. "Santino, I don't believe you actually want to die."

Santino paused.

Clifford continued, “You've scraped by for so many years just for this? To die with Latisha? If that's really the case, I don't mind sending you on your way."

In the distance, the sound of car

horns could be heard. Two minutes later, several cars sped into the courtyard and screeched to a halt. Men poured out, led by Ziven. They quickly surrounded Santino and Latisha.

"Mr. Lambert, what are your orders?" Ziven asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.