Chapter 65

No one knew how he and Renata had met. They had married two years ago, and Santino had married into the Lambert family.

But Latisha was afraid of him. She took a subtle step back and signed, *Is something wrong?*

Santino smiled. “I wouldn't know. If you'll please come with me."

He gestured for her to go, a polite motion that was undermined by the lack of respect in his smile and the predatory glint in his eyes.

Latisha remembered seeing Polly at the hospital, and her heart sank. Could it be... Santino just watched her, his posture suggesting he was prepared to stand there all night if necessary.

*I'm not feeling well today,* Latisha signed. *Could I go tomorrow instead?*

Santino shook his head slightly. "I think it would be best if you came with me now, Latisha. If Polly has to come here herself, she won't be as pleasant as I am.”

Latisha clutched her phone. Though she wasn't sure why Polly wanted to see her, she had a terrible premonition. It had to be related to what she saw at the hospital. She had thought Polly hadn't noticed her.

*Then wait for me. I need to change.*

Santino nodded, his smile never wavering.

Latisha turned and went upstairs. She took out her phone, opened her chat with Clifford, and typed out a long message. But just before she hit send, she hesitated.

If this was already a done deal, if even Clifford had agreed to his mother's plan, what was the point of sending the message? It would just be one more person twisting the knife in her heart.

In the end, she deleted the frantic paragraph and typed a simple line: [Your mother sent for me.]

They had moved out in the first place because Polly couldn't stand the sight of her. When he saw that message, he would know it wasn't a social call. If he cared... he would come.

But her message sat there, unanswered. After a few minutes, Latisha closed the chat.

She saw the familiar Instagram icon and tapped it without thinking, a decision she immediately regretted.

It was a new post from Yesenia: a photo of an elegant gift box holding a beautiful bracelet.

So it was Yesenia's birthday. He was with her.

Latisha's hand dropped to her side, the light in her eyes dimming.

Below, Santino's voice drifted up. "Are you ready, Latisha?”

She stood frozen for a few seconds before leaving the room. Santino was still waiting by the door.

Santino's car was parked at the curb, and he gestured for her to get in. Latisha stared at the car door for a moment before finally climbing. inside. Her only hope now was that Polly wanted to see her for some other reason.

The car was silent. Santino drove with focused precision while Latisha

staref

I down at her phone. No

messages from Nikita or Clifford,

only a couple of spam texts.

Santino suddenly broke the silence. “Is Clifford working late again tonight?"

He asked it casually, as if not expecting an answer.

Latisha kept her eyes downcast, her thumb swiping again and again, refreshing Instagram. Yesenia had posted several more pictures. A candlelit dinner. Exquisite gifts. Two hands, fingers intertwined. The same long elegant fingers that had held her last night were now holding someone else's.

The photos felt like slaps across her face, stinging and hot. A bitter smile formed on her lips.

Soon, the car arrived at Lambert Manor. Latisha got out and followed Santino to the living room.

Renata was waiting at the door. As soon as she saw Santino, she rushed forward and looped her arm through his. "What took you so long?"