Chapter 1658: Because I sure do.

The conversation with Priscilla had been long, but she had finally given them names — names none of them expected. As each one was mentioned, Mint wrote them down, her expression twisting with rage.

It only confirmed how deeply corrupt Anteca had become.

"Wow..." Mint laughed dryly, running her tongue along the inside of her cheek. "I knew most of them."

She scratched the back of her head. "Ugh... what am I even supposed to say?"

"Please..." Priscilla breathed out. "Don’t do anything reckless. Even if you confront them, no one will believe you."

"There will be people who believe me," Mint replied, her tone sharp with certainty. "But whether they do or not doesn’t matter. Belief is the least of my problems. The real issue is that even if I know what they’re doing, I can’t just arrest them."

She clicked her tongue. "Damn law."

"I’ve told you everything I know," Priscilla huffed, turning to Penny. "Please, let me go."

"We can’t do that," Slater answered coldly.

"Why?! I gave you everything! What more do you want from me?!"

"You knew too much, Priscilla," Penny said, narrowing her eyes. "So much that if I were one of them, I’d have my men shoot you on sight."

Priscilla’s breath hitched. "I know that... but I’ve avoided them for years. They won’t find me now."

"If Patricia Miller and Theo Miller could find you, what makes you think the others can’t?"

"..."

"Besides," Penny continued, "if what you’re saying is true — that they’re planning to move their operations into Anteca — and they’re already planting pawns in government and law enforcement, then it’s only a matter of time before they find you."

She leaned forward slightly, her tone sharper. "Has it ever crossed your mind that the information you received about your daughter was just bait? A way to draw you out?"

Priscilla’s eyes widened slowly.

"All these years, you were careful. Always planning your next step, always hiding," Penny went on. "But the second you heard something about Nina, you came back to Anteca and started showing yourself more than you have in the last ten years."

She tilted her head, curiosity flashing in her eyes. "Didn’t that ever occur to you?"

"No — no," Priscilla stammered. "I trust the person who told me. I’ve been his client for years. We’re not friends, but I know I can trust him."

"This person... did he work at the Information Center?"

"How did you—?"

"Because the Information Center in Anteca has been under surveillance and investigation," Penny cut in. "Some of their branches were already raided. The few who escaped the police’s radar are still operating, but all of them came under new management not long ago."

She raised a brow. "I don’t know how much you trust your source, but the Information Center is the last place I’d trust. I don’t hate them — but I wouldn’t trust a word from anyone who works there."

She had learned that the hard way.

Nathaniel had deceived her mercilessly. That betrayal led to her incarceration. It wouldn’t be impossible for Priscilla to be walking into a similar trap.

Priscilla’s eyes trembled as she lowered her head. She hadn’t considered that — she’d been so consumed with fear for Nina’s safety. But now, with Penny’s words echoing in her mind, doubt began to gnaw at her.

"No," she whispered, shaking her head and clutching the edge of the sheet beneath her. "That’s... that’s..."

"That’s not impossible," Penny said pointedly. "You of all people should know that. These people kill like it’s a hobby. They deceive, destroy, and ruin lives. What makes you think they can’t twist someone’s mind?"

Slater shrugged. "They’ve done it to educated people. What more to those who already have one foot in the grave?"

"To some, they offer wealth," Mint added. "To people in the underground? They offer protection. You know the rules, don’t you?"

Priscilla held her breath as the three spoke one after another. Her jaw clenched. She wanted to deny everything they were saying — but she couldn’t. The possibility wasn’t just real. It made more sense than the idea that they simply wanted to snatch Nina away.

"For now, you’re staying here," Penny said after a long silence, though Priscilla still had her head bowed. "You’re free to leave if you want. But just so you know — this place is home to a black panther and another vicious cat who really hates uninvited guests."

She rose from her seat, her eyes fixed on Priscilla. "I don’t care how you spend your day. Maybe do some work in the garden — there’s plenty left to do. But don’t come near the residence. I don’t want to see your face or even smell your presence."

"It’s for your own good," she added. "There’s food in the fridge and clothes in the closet that might fit."

With that, Penny turned and walked away. She’d heard enough. And if they missed anything, keeping Priscilla nearby meant they could get answers quickly.

Slater watched his sister pass by before pushing himself up. When he glanced at Mint, his brow lifted.

"Staying?" he asked.

Mint flashed a bright smile. "I’ve got a few more questions for her. I’ll be out in a bit."

"Alright."

Slater followed Penny out. But on his third step, Priscilla spoke.

"For how long... do I have to stay locked in here?"

Slater paused and looked over his shoulder. "For as long as she wants. But if you really care about your daughter, you’ll understand this is the best way to protect both her — and yourself."

And with that, he walked away without looking back.

Priscilla slowly turned her gaze toward the open door, then to Mint.

Mint smiled. "You want to take those guys down?"

"What?"

"If you do, then listen to them — that’s all I’m saying," Mint chuckled. "You think you can protect Nina your way, but don’t you think they’re more capable than you?"

She hummed, wiggling her brows. "Besides, don’t you want to help take down the bad guys? Because I sure do. So, want to team up with us?"