The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 198

She tried to explain: *Last night, I only went to see her because I realized we were at the same hospital. It was a coincidence. I wasn't trying to defy you.*

Clifford reached out and pulled her into his lap. She stumbled, landing heavily against him, and looked up into his emotionless eyes.

He traced the corner of her eye with his finger. “Everyone has their own fate,” he said softly. “And besides, this has nothing to do with me.”

She stared at him, tears welling in her eyes, searching his face for a hint of a lie, but his expression was a perfect mask.

She shook her head. *Then why did Preston show up at the hospital?*

“As I said, I don’t know.” His voice was flat, as if the matter was of no consequence to him.

Latisha’s hands clenched. She didn’t know whether to believe him. Preston had abandoned his mother. Why would he suddenly reappear right after she paid the bill, only to agitate her into a collapse? It all lined up perfectly with Clifford’s threat from the night before: You will never see her again.

The thought made her tremble. He was becoming a stranger to her.

She struggled to her feet and then knelt beside him.

As if anticipating her next move, he grabbed her wrists, stopping her from signing. “Latisha, don’t do anything foolish. It will only bring harm to everyone.”

His words hit her like a physical blow. She sagged, slumping to the floor.

Clifford stood up and walked out, locking the study door behind him.

Latisha heard the click of the lock and scrambled to the door, twisting the handle. It wouldn’t budge. She pounded on the door, but there was no response.

Slowly, she slid to the floor, her back against the wood. He had locked her in again. She hugged her knees to her chest, her mind foggy and her consciousness fading.

...

“If you have any concerns,” the man added smoothly, “you can speak directly with Mr. Lambert. We are old acquaintances.”

That finally put her at ease. She had to trust Clifford.

“Fine. Just do it quickly.” She stood, grabbed her bag, and left.

After she was gone, the man walked down a side street to a waiting Bentley.

“Mr. Lambert, the contract is signed. Please take a look.”

Clifford took the document and glanced through it.

“Should I transfer the funds?” the man asked.