Chapter 66

"There was some traffic," Santino said.

Renata glanced at Latisha behind him. If it weren't for her mother, she never would have let Santino go pick her up. That mute witch. Just because she couldn't speak didn't mean she wasn't a seductress. Renata wanted to claw those innocent-looking eyes out every time she saw them.

"Come on in. My mom is waiting for you."

Renata led Santino inside, then turned back to Latisha. "Well, what are you waiting for? Get in here!"

A light rain was falling, and tiny droplets clung to Latisha's hair. She entered the living room to find Polly cradling her precious grandson, cooing softly as she rocked him to sleep.

Latisha stood beside them, her eyes fixed on the baby. He was chubby and fair- skinned, gurgling and smiling at her.

She felt a strange sense of detachment. This was the first time she'd seen a baby up close. He was so adorable. Her hand instinctively drifted to her own stomach. Would her baby be this cute?

The infant reached out a tiny hand, as if trying to grab her.

Latisha looked at the pudgy little fist and, on impulse, reached out her own hand. But before she could touch him, Renata stepped in and shoved her away.

"Did you wash your hands? Don't spread your germs on Jaden."

Renata was smiling, but the push was hard. Latisha stumbled back, nearly falling. She grabbed the sofa to steady herself.

Polly handed the baby to Renata and then rose to her feet, her expression stripped of its earlier warmth. Her eyes, sharp as knives, swept over Latisha, finally settling on her stomach.

"Helen."

A woman who had been waiting nearby immediately came forward with two maids. She spoke to Latisha in a gentle but firm tone "Mrs. Polly would like to run a' check-up on you. Please come with us

Latisha's head snapped up, her eyes meeting Polly's cold, hard gaze. Her mouth fell open as fear and shock flooded her. She took an involuntary step back. Her heart plummeted.

So, fate was not on her side after all.

Polly sneered. "What, did you think you could hide this from me forever?"

"I told you not to get any foolish ideas, but you wouldn't listen. Since you insist on bringing this suffering upon yourself, you have no one to blame but yourself!"

Latisha shook her head, signing frantically, but Polly turned away, refusing to look. "Helen, take her."

The two maids grabbed Latisha's arms and began dragging her toward the door.

Latisha clung desperately to the doorframe, her gaze fixed on the people inside. Polly had already

taken her grandson back into hem et

arms. Renata's lips were curved in a gleeful, mocking smirk, the same look she always had when one of her cruel pranks succeeded. Santino watched the scene unfold, his expression impassive.

Their cold, indifferent faces were terrifyingly monstrous. Not even holding a baby could evoke a shred of compassion in Polly.

The life inside her was a life, too!

A maid pried her fingers from the doorframe, and they dragged her out.

The villa fell silent again, as if Latisha had never been there. The only sound was

the sudden, piercing cry of the baby in Polly's arms, echoing through the grand hall.

The fine rain fell on Latisha's face.

The baby's cries seemed both

distant and near, each wail tearing at her heart. For a terrifying moment, it felt as if she were hearing the

mournfuleries of her own unborn child.