The Day Silence Spoke novel Chapter 215

Polly stared at him in disbelief. Had they grown so distant over the years that she failed to notice such a profound change in him? Or had he always been this way, only now revealing his true nature?

"Then why did you..."

"I'm just here to tell you that times have changed," Clifford cut in. "Don't overstep your bounds. Stay out of my affairs."

Polly stared blankly. The meaning was crystal clear. He was deliberately defying her, warning her not to interfere in his life or try to control him as she had when he was a child. The obedient boy who once hung on her every word was gone.

She slumped back against the pillows, her shoulders drooping in defeat. It was a truth she couldn't accept, yet seeing the ice in his eyes, she had no choice but to face it: the son who had been her greatest pride had completely and utterly slipped from her grasp.

Clifford stood up. "Since you're awake, you should rest. At your age, you ought to be enjoying your golden years, not meddling in things that don't concern you."

Without a glance at her pale face, he turned and left.

Renata was waiting just outside the door, having obviously overheard everything. She looked at Clifford with a new hint of fear. He walked past her without acknowledgment.

Renata rushed into the room and grabbed Polly's arm. "Mom, are you okay?"

Polly slowly turned her ashen face toward her. "Your brother… he's not the man I once knew."

Renata sighed. "People change, Mom. He's no different."

Polly closed her eyes, fresh tears tracing paths down her cheeks.

Polly looked stunned. "Are… are you sure?"

Renata wasn't sure at all; she just wanted Latisha gone. But she nodded firmly. "Of course. I grew up with Clifford. Do you think I don't know him? If he really loved Yesenia, why hasn't he married her?"

Polly's expression turned thoughtful. Renata's words were starting to get to her.

Renata pushed her advantage. "But if what I'm saying is true, then all of his actions suddenly make perfect sense, don't they?"

"You do have a point," Polly conceded, her mind racing.

Renata breathed a silent sigh of relief. She was scheduled to move out in a couple of days, and if she couldn't convince Polly now, she might not get another chance.