When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Melanie was taken aback by the bluntness. "You're asking for money now?"

"Come on, Melanie, you're already Mrs. Patterson. Why are you still hung up on the trust fund?"

"What else should I do? That's money my parents left for me!"

I was fuming, my voice rising with each word.

"So, you've been MIA for years just to avoid paying up?"

"Let me tell you, without me, you wouldn't see a dime of that money! The trust is mine!"

"If you don't give me the money, I'll report that you're back in the country. Then you'll be breaking the law, and I can apply to get the trust fund!"

I wasn't even sure if that was a legal move here, but it was worth a scare.

Sure enough, he fell silent.

After a minute, he sighed.

"Melanie, I watched you grow up. Why would I want to take your money?"

"I'll meet you soon. Just stay put in Ironvale."

He hung up in a hurry, and I couldn't help but smirk.

Talbot was a terrible actor.

Why wouldn't Galen call to check on his daughter?

Ignoring his own flesh and blood and worrying about me, an outsider?

Recalling his tone, I sneered internally. He probably went as far as to use a voice changer just to get the money.

Too bad he didn't realize Galen's voice was ruined in that fire.

Thinking of Galen's current condition, I took a deep breath. It was a relief Talbot hadn't discovered he was back in the country.

Aware that Galen was right under his nose, I worried Geneva might be in trouble too. I quickly sent Clyde a text about the confrontation.

Clyde called back immediately.

"What happened?" he asked.

After I recounted the story, Clyde was silent.

It wasn't hard to figure out; aside from Talbot, who else would want to test me?

The mere mention of a trust fund threw him off.

Lisa had

that Tammie was pressuring

1st met with me, warning

him to desperation.

"Lisa's been feeling something's off." Clyde's tone was serious, hesitant.

"Talbot hinted she doesn't need to seduce me anymore, suggesting we don't have to divorce."

"Lisa's focusing on the company's projects, suspecting Talbot's planning something big."

My heart Lisa knowing my illness, I a

pped a beat, thinking

hoarse voice, "Why?" V

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"Not sure, Lisa just cautioned us to be careful."

a

Clyde's voice offered some comfort, seemingly unaware of the full situation.

As long as Lisa was on our side, we could handle anything.

But why the sudden change of heart about our divorce?

If we don't divorce, Lisa can't become Mrs. Patterson, and Talbot can't

can he?

t his hands on my t

Before I could puzzle it out, Clyde spoke again.

O

fund,

"Melanie, the hospital janitor quit, and someone's looking for you. Please, don't go out."

Someone seemed to be speaking to him, his voice urgent.

"Better wait for me at the hospital, don't go anywhere alone."

"Mellie, are you ready to go? I've called an Uber."

Geneva stood at the doorway, ready to leave.

I thought it over, deciding not to stir the pot for now.

"No need to come get me. I'm with Geneva, we'll be fine."

"He might've sensed something's off. Keep a low profile, and don't confront him."

"Melanie, please, wait for me."

Clyde's voice was a mix of excitement and anger.

I chuckled softly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of myself."

"Focus on the project for now, and don't forget to submit those documents to headquarters."