Chapter 96

She had, however, fatally underestimated the shrewdness of both men, which made her look like a fool.

Clifford started the car and pulled out of the underground garage.

Latisha stared out the window as a fine mist drifted in, dotting her face with cool droplets. The temperature in Etherea City had dropped to the low forties, and the damp, cold air was biting.

Without a word, Clifford closed the window, shutting out the chill.

When they arrived back at the villa, Mrs. Dashiell was dozing on the sofa. The sound of their footsteps woke her instantly, and she reached for her cane to greet them.

The old woman's cautious, almost fearful demeanor sent a pang of guilt through Latisha. She began to question if bringing Mrs. Dashiell here had been the right decision.

But it was too late for regrets. If she had left her in that small shack, she might have eventually grown numb to the hunger and cold. But now that she had tasted comfort, taking it away would be a crueler fate.