The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 18

At the café.

Nikita had arranged to meet at her own place. Latisha sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the fading bruise on Nikita’s forehead, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. Clifford had forbidden her from seeing Nikita. If he found out about this, he would be furious.

Thinking she was just nervous about the meeting, Nikita patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry,” she said with a warm smile. “I’ll do all the talking.”

Latisha managed a faint smile in return. For so many years, she had been completely alone. She had no friends besides Clifford; everyone else had always looked down on her. Nikita’s kindness felt just like when Clifford had first burst into her life—a sudden ray of light in her bleak world.

After about ten minutes, a figure hurried in from outside, shaking the rain from his umbrella as he strode toward their table.

Nikita stood to greet him. “Mr. Taylor.”

Mr. Taylor appeared to be in his forties. He was short and slender, with black-framed glasses and a friendly, approachable face.

“Ms. Stafford, a pleasure,” he said, gesturing outside. “Ah, Etherea City. Once the rainy season hits, it’s just dreary for weeks. Makes getting around such a hassle.”

The sun had been out that morning, but by noon, a light drizzle had started, casting a gray mist over everything.

Nikita extended her hand. “Thank you so much for coming all the way out here. Latisha, this is Mr. Taylor, the talent agent from Odyssey Entertainment I told you about.”

Latisha quickly stood and gave him a polite nod.

Mr. Taylor’s eyes lit up with undisguised admiration as he took her in.

“Please, sit, sit,” he said, waving his hand.

“See, Mr. Taylor? Just like the character concept I sent, right?”

Latisha had no idea and looked to Nikita for help.

Nikita didn’t miss a beat. “That’s a very generous offer, Mr. Taylor. Five hundred thousand is a respectable rate. Let’s not beat around the bush, when can we sign the contract?”

Mr. Taylor let out a hearty laugh. “Excellent! Ms. Stafford, you’re refreshingly direct. I’ll go back, hold a meeting, and have the contract drafted. I’ll let you know when it’s ready, and you can both come by our offices to finalize everything.”

“Sounds good,” Nikita said, standing to shake his hand, sealing the deal.

Latisha stood as well, offering Mr. Taylor a warm, silent goodbye.

Just as he left, her phone buzzed twice. She pulled it out and saw a new message from Clifford.