When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Clyde was, of course, in on the secret of the documents I had to hand over. With solid evidence of their shady dealings now in my possession, it was high time they faced the music.

Having seen one too many stories of collusion between bureaucrats and businessmen, I knew the importance of catching them off guard. Otherwise, they'd bounce back like weeds after a spring rain.

After hanging up the phone, I finally left the hospital with Geneva by my side.

"Mellie, you seem troubled. Is Talbot giving you a hard time again?" Geneva's concern was evident as she tugged at my sleeve.

I shook my head, at a loss for words on how to explain everything to her.

All I hoped for was to quickly wrap up affairs here and take Geneva back, allowing her and Galen a shot at a happier life.

Noticing my hesitation to explain, Geneva switched topics and pulled me off to a nearby diner.

"We haven't had a meal together in ages. Remember how you used to love barbecue, even though it always gave you the runs?"Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I paused, then burst into laughter along with her. My mom always forbade me from eating at such places, but Geneva would sneak me out

regardless. Especially after she started middle school and had more pocket money, she insisted on treating me, claiming she didn't want to owe me anything and avoid being teased later on.

Yet, my delicate stomach would betray me, leaving me sick all night.

Observing the bustling diner, I couldn't help but shake my head.

"I heard they're putting anti-diarrhea meds in the food now."

"That's perfect then! No worries about getting sick. Come on, let's grab a table before they're all taken."

Her unyielding cheerfulness and constant conversation were her way of keeping my spirits up, and gradually, I let go of my worries.

After all, I had done nearly everything I could. The rest depended on whether anyone would step up for justice.

However, no sooner had we settled down than another call from the fake Galen arrived.

Noticing Geneva busy ordering, I slipped into a corner to take the call.

"Galen, what's up?"

"I'll be heading to Ironvale soon. Besides the key, what else should I bring?"

"You need to come in person? Isn't it iris recognition?"

I was clueless about the specifics; I was just mimicking what I'd seen in movies.

The caller hesitated but didn't probe further.

He subtly inquired about the foundation, especially its current valuation.

Impatiently, I replied, "Didn't I tell you it's about a hundred million? How that translates to dollars, I've no clue. And surely, there's been interest accumulated over the years?"

"You're the accountant, why are you asking me?"

My impatience only convinced him further.

Hearing the figure of a hundred million, I could practically hear his sharp intake of breath over the phone.

With that money, he could save his

son

To cover his debts, regaining

his

as a local tycoon without

fear.

Predictably, his tone became excited.

swno

"So, you're planning to bring that money back home? You might face a hefty tax bill."

"What should I do then?"

"Best to leave it untouched for now."

"And what am I supposed to live on?"

I deliberately raised my voice, feigning annoyance.

"Galen, you've been abroad too long. You have no idea how I'm struggling here. Clyde barely gives me any money!" "Without that money, I'm barely scraping by. No, I need it."

Talbot always labeled me a gold digger, convinced that my move to Aurorea was just to chase after wealthy heirs.

Lisa's smear campaign only solidified his belief that my clinging to Clyde was all about financial gain.

He came up with a few excuses over

the phone before finally saying, "This foundation is in your name, a pre-marital asset. Melanie, listen to your me. Don't touch it now, or it'll become marital property!"