When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

"Talbot, you're sticking your nose a bit too far into my business, don't you think? Since when do I need to report my whereabouts to you?" I pulled my jacket closer around me, aiming to leave the rooftop.

Galen's hiding spot wasn't exactly Fort Knox, but thankfully, it was dark out. As long as I didn't glance in that direction, Talbot wouldn't spot him.

But Talbot blocked my path. "Where do you think you're going?"

"What's wrong with you? Can't I go back to sleep now?"

"I'm not a prisoner, am I? Since when did I lose my freedom?"

I shoved his hand away with more force than necessary. The rooftop wasn't exactly spacious, and it was only a matter of time before he'd realize someone else was up here.

Sure enough, Talbot cast a suspicious glance around the rooftop.

"Just you up here?"

"Who else? Clyde went back to the hotel."

But he stubbornly blocked the door, "Melanie, is that how you speak to your elders?"

His tone was icy, almost angry.

"Don't think just because Clyde cares about you, you can do whatever you want. This is my turf."

"If I want you dead, you wouldn't last a day!"

A flash of malice crossed his eyes, and I instinctively stepped back, then laughed.

"Right, my situation is just like Tammie's."

"You think he could survive abroad without money?"

"What? Planning to kill me here? Kill Mrs. Patterson, and for the sake of the Patterson family's reputation, they'd tear you apart!"

I put on a brave face, standing my ground.

If he decided to kill me here, it'd be a wrongful death.

Even if Galen could intervene, our cover would be blown.

I noticed Galen stepping out, and I quickly waved him off, signaling him to stay hidden.

Mentioning Tammie only seemed to fuel Talbot's rage.

"Melanie, what do you know?"

"That you're desperate for money."

I said nonchalantly, "You're just 1 dip into my trust fund to

your son's debts, right?

"Now that Clyde's backing out, you're turning your sights on me, is that it?"

Talbot paused, then his eyes filled with resentment.

"That old coot, he really left all his money to your family!"

"I knew he couldn't be broke, leaving me with scraps and still feeling sorry for your family!"

He paced the rooftop angrily.

Then suddenly, he stopped in front of me, gripping my shoulders fiercely.

"Tell me, is your money also in Aurorea? Is that why you went abroad?"

"How much? How much do you really have!"

"Talbot, do you really think I'd hand over millions to you? Who's the crazy one here?"

Seeing him try to push me towards the edge of the rooftop, I simply smiled.

"Push me, and my money goes to Clyde. You think he'd give it to you?"

He hesitated, then retracted his hand.

I pushed him away and made my way to the rooftop door.

"And without Galen, I can't access the money anyway. The keys are with him."

"So, I can't use that money right now. If you can find Galen, then we'll talk."

Opening the door, I saw Talbot following me, and my heart finally settled.

He seemed to mull over what I had just said, remaining silent.

It wasn't until we reached the elevator that he spoke up.

"Melanie, I don't need your money, but I'll for sure help you track down Galen."

I snorted coldly, not saying much more.

Right now, he'd probably prefer me

with battling over maritet

inheritance his to divide

assets.

As we entered the elevator, he

continued, "But we can't stop the etCopyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

cooperation with the Patterson

family. I'll help you, but you need to help me. Deal?"