The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 170

Clifford nodded slightly. “I understand.”

“Good. We can’t openly confront him yet. I want you to find evidence that he embezzled the funds. Force him to return the money.”

“Alright.”

“Now get out. Send Santino in,” Wallace said with a dismissive wave.

Clifford inclined his head and left the study.

Downstairs, Santino was talking with Renata. They both stood up when Clifford appeared.

Renata was the most anxious, terrified that Santino would be thrown out or, worse, sent to prison, turning her fairytale romance into a nightmare.

“How did it go, bro?” she asked.

Clifford’s gaze settled on Santino. “Dad wants to see you in the study.”

Panic flared in Renata’s eyes. She grabbed Santino’s hand. “It’s going to be okay, right?”

She had overheard her father on the phone earlier and had been on edge ever since.

Santino patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be right back.”

He gently pulled his hand away and headed upstairs.

“Bro, you have to help him,” Renata pleaded, turning to Clifford. “He’s been so dedicated to the company these past two years. He’s never made a mistake. You know that.”

Clifford glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Don’t worry. He’ll be fine… for now.”

“For now? What does that mean?”

Santino’s eyes narrowed. “What does that mean?”

“It means that before I could make a move, all of those companies went under. I didn’t transfer a single cent.”

The color drained from Santino’s face. “Are you sure? You’re not lying to me?”

“Why would I lie? We’re partners, but our goal was never just about the money, was it?”

“I know that,” Santino snapped. “This isn’t about the money. It’s about… if you didn’t do it, then this is far more complicated than I thought.”

“How so?”

“It’s Clifford. It has to be him.”