The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 193

She knew he was right. For a transaction of this magnitude, she wouldn’t dare trust a stranger. What if they signed the contract and never paid? She would have no recourse.

“Fine. Just get it done as quickly as possible,” Renata sighed, too weary to argue further. She still had to figure out how to come up with the rest of the money Santino needed.

“Of course, Ms. Lambert. We’ll have the process completed within three days. I’ll get started on it right away.”

The man gathered his documents, stood, and excused himself.

Once he was gone, Renata turned to Clifford. “That’s not nearly enough money. What are we going to do now?”

Clifford finally put down his phone and looked at her. “You really care that much about Santino?”

“I’m selling my shares,” she retorted. “What do you think?”

“Is he worth it?”

“Of course he is! Anything is worth it for him!” Renata’s conviction was absolute, as if Santino had her under a spell.

Clifford nodded thoughtfully, tapping his fingers on the table. “I know a way,” he said with an air of nonchalance. “But I’m not sure you have the nerve for it.”

“What is it? I’m already giving up my own shares. What could I possibly be afraid of?” she asked eagerly. “Tell me, where else can we get the money?”

A slow smile spread across Clifford’s face. He leaned forward, his eyes locking onto hers. “You don’t have it,” he said in a low voice, “but Dad does.”

A flicker of understanding lit up Renata’s eyes. She and Clifford both knew that Wallace, their father, had illegitimate children. Their mother had warned her that the old man was holding onto his shares for them.

Looking at Clifford now, she saw him in a new light. She might not be a business expert, but she wasn’t a fool. She understood exactly what he was implying.

“You’re not suggesting…” She trailed off, but the unspoken words hung between them.

Clifford didn’t answer directly. He leaned back in his chair, a lazy, calculating look in his eyes.

Renata’s heart hammered against her ribs. Her brother was no simple businessman. From the moment he joined the Lambert Group, he had ruthlessly purged the company of its old guard. Now, he was setting his sights on his own father.