When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

I didn't pay her any attention, instead, my gaze shifted past her to York standing behind.

"What brings you here?"

Our families were almost at each other's throats, knowing too much about each other's dirty laundry, and yet here he was, daring to step into the company?

York just shrugged, "Given all the drama at Patterson Group these days, and Clyde... not being in the best of health, it's only natural for me to step in and lend a hand as his cousin."

"No need to get worked up. Grandpa gave his blessing. Maybe you want to give him a call?"

I had no clue how Merritt managed to strike a deal with York, but York's confidence suggested it was the real deal.

Kayla stepped forward again, blocking my view.

"Melanie, I was talking to you."

"And in what capacity might that be? Ms. Osborne?"

Her file still listed her as a junior assistant, practically without any real power.

The only leverage she had was the baby she was carrying.

My eyes fell on her belly, and she instinctively covered it, stepping back, visibly pregnant.

"Ha, I'm Clyde's senior assistant, about to be promoted. Soon enough, my word will be as good as Clyde's around here. You'd do well to listen!"

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper only meant for me, "Merritt said prenatal influences are crucial. I need to be around the company. After all, my baby is Clyde's only heir, the future of Patterson Group."

"Best of luck with that dream," I replied with a smile, then walked away with Jade by my side.

She was making bold claims over an embryo?

Three years might seem long, but if Clyde were to get his health in check, he could have thirty kids a year if he wanted. There would be no shortage of heirs vying for control of Patterson Group then.

"Melanie, are you okay?" Jade asked, concern evident in her eyes.

I shook my head. "Let's get back to work. This is nothing, doesn't bother me a bit."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I kept telling myself not to sweat the small stuff, almost convincing myself it didn't get to me.

The doctors said my condition was mostly stress-induced. If I could find happiness in my marriage, maybe I wouldn't relapse.

So, I decided to ignore everyone and everything that pissed me off. Maybe I'd live a bit longer that way.

During lunch, I was planning to catch some sleep in the office when an unexpected visitor showed up.

A young policewoman I'd often seen at the station was standing at my office door, now dressed like a college student, waving at me.

I hurried over, "Officer, what brings you here?"

She handed me her card, saying, "Call me Freya is okay. Melanie, you're on your lunch break, right? There's something I need to ask you about."

I glanced behind her, noticing she was alone, which struck me as odd.

She quickly added, "I'm here on a personal note, you can say no."

I smiled, shaking my head, "Let me treat you to lunch. The diner across the street is pretty good."

Considering how she'd spoken up for me a few times at the station, it felt wrong to refuse her.

But I was not prepared for the bombshell she was about to drop.

"Your company's Paul flipped his story today. He claims none of it was Kayla's doing. Said he acted out of spite, because he couldn't stand you as a leader. Even admitted to framing Kayla, thinking it'd get him off the hook since she's your husband's..."

Freya hardly touched her food, just kept sipping her juice.

"He said the money came from an overseas company, wanting to steal Patterson Group's designs. He figured since it wasn't the same country, selling the designs was no big deal. But that's where the trail goes cold."

I wasn't surprised; if Merritt said he'd handle it, then Kayla would be off the hook.

But Freya's next words truly shook me.

"Also, Jarvis committed suicide this

morning. He suddenly wanted to confess last night, claiming the kidnapping of Isla was all his idea, even pushing her down the stairs. The forensic team found his skin cells under her nails. Still, that doesn't prove he was at the scene, could've been from a previous altercation."

Even knowing Merritt's hand in this, the loss of a life still sent shivers down my spine.

Freya nodded, "Too many doubts, but with him gone..."

"What about his daughter?"

I remembered he and Kayla had a daughter.

Freya looked at me, somewhat helplessly. "She was taken in by relatives, but we could tell they weren't going to treat her well. However, I heard a charity donated enough to cover her expenses through college."

Her gaze fixed on me, "Melanie, do you know anything about this?"

Her question sounded more like a statement, her tone implying she knew I was in the know.

I looked away, shaking my head. "Sorry, I don't."

She seemed to anticipate my response, not pushing further. Before leaving, we exchanged phone numbers and social media.

"Melanie, I know it's tough for you, and you're a good person. If anything comes to mind, you can reach out anytime, no matter how late."

Faced with her piercing gaze, all I could do was nod, feeling a pang of guilt.