The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 148

“Who is it?”

Clifford leaned forward and extinguished his cigarette in the ashtray, grinding it down with a slow, deliberate pressure, as if he wanted to pulverize it into dust.

“I can’t tell you,” he said, a ghost of a smile touching his lips, a flicker of something cold and sharp in his eyes. “Some people just love to think they’re clever. They’re about to learn what happens when you reap what you sow.”

The cryptic words left Killian more confused than ever. He opened his mouth to ask another question, but Clifford was already on his feet, grabbing his coat from the sofa and heading for the door.

The rush of air from his movement stirred the shredded papers on the floor. One piece, bearing the fragmented word ‘divorce,’ fluttered and landed at Killian’s feet.

From the doorway, Clifford’s voice, devoid of any warmth, drifted back. “Killian. Bring them back before I find them myself.”

Killian stared at his retreating back and let out a heavy sigh. Clifford’s words had given him a few ideas, but nothing concrete.

He stood and walked out, where Ziven was waiting anxiously. “Well?”

Killian shook his head. “Keep looking. They have to still be in Etherea City.”

“How do you know? Did Mr. Lambert say something?”

Killian simply clapped him on the shoulder and walked past without another word.

...

The next day, Clifford went to the office as usual, acting as if nothing had happened. He called a board meeting. Santino was there, and the two met at the entrance to the conference room.

“Clifford,” Santino said with his usual warm smile, “you look tired. Didn’t you sleep well?”

Clifford mirrored the smile, though his held a chilling edge. “My pet ran away. How could I?”

Santino’s smile didn’t falter. “Oh? What kind of pet could be so important?”

The reaction was expected, so Santino remained unperturbed.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice smooth as silk. “Still upset about your lost pet? So much so that you can’t even focus on work?”

Clifford loosened his tie and leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on his brother-in-law.

“Do you need my help to find it?” Santino offered.

“No need. And your proposal is unacceptable.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“You’ve been a vice president for years. You can’t see the flaws? Or are you assuming I won’t?”