When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Chapter 170



I quickly masked my shock with a glare of anger.

"I want to ask you. Why did Clyde get hurt?"

"Talbot, even if you're hell-bent on setting your daughter up as the other woman, this isn't the way to do it. I'm your own niece, for heaven's sake!"

My voice wasn't exactly a whisper, and with the hospital corridor bustling with people, it wasn't long before we drew stares.

Talbot's face darkened as he quickly pulled me into the hospital room.

He tossed the fruit basket on the floor in a huff, "What kind of attitude is that?"

"The same kind you're giving me! You're my uncle, and you're already plotting my divorce? Are you eyeing the Patterson family fortune?"

I wasn't about to lose the battle of voices or presence.

Seeing me stand my ground, red-faced and stubborn, seemed to soften him a bit.

"Melanie, everyone knows you and Clyde are heading for a divorce. Better to keep it in the family than benefit strangers. Don't worry, I'll make sure you get a lion's share of the assets."

His eyes shifted, clearly not as altruistic as his words suggested. He was fishing for information about that non-existent trust fund.

I slouched on the couch with a dismissive smirk, "Of course, there was no prenup. Why would I let anyone else benefit from the Patterson fortune?" "And what about the inheritance your parents left you? Clyde's going to end up with that too?"

He didn't even know about my cancer diagnosis and was already sure I'd die before Clyde?

I squinted at him disdainfully.

"My money's locked tight. The trustee's whereabouts are unknown, Clyde won't see a dime."

Talbot seemed to breathe easier, thinking he confirmed the existence of a trust fund, possibly linked to Galen. With that in mind, his next move would likely be pushing for a divorce and, if his track record was anything to go by, worse.

Thinking of his underhanded tactics, I clenched my fists.

Geneva had been silent throughout, exchanging a silent glance with me that conveyed her understanding.

She glared at Talbot with unspoken venom but quickly looked away when he turned, pretending to be uninvolved.

"Geneva, you might want to be more careful with what you eat. Last time it was food poisoning, what about next time?"

His tone

sonas affectionate, like a

caring

Seeinder, but his eyes were

her as nothing more th

n to lure out Galen.

Tired of his act, I stood up.

a

"Talbot, maybe you should check on Clyde. Isn't he the son-in-law youz wanted? Tell him if he wants a

divorçè, he can hand over half of the Patterson estate, or I'll drag this out till the end."

Only by pretending I wasn't ready to give up my title as Mrs. Patterson could the charade continue.

I ushered Talbot out and quickly shut the door behind him.

Geneva looked up, her eyes brimming with tears.

"It's all him, isn't it?"

I shook my head, "I'm not sure, but all signs point to him."

"My dad's death might also be linked to him."

"Mellie, what do we do now?"

Geneva grabbed my hand, her eyes filled with anxiety.

"All these years, I thought he was a good man. Did he give me r

on

because my dad had something him? My dad's still alive, isn't he?"

Meeting her gaze, I found myself at a loss for words.

Finally, I just patted her hand.

"Just take care of yourself. Leave the rest to me."