When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 50

Kayla's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced my way, masking any hint of sorrow beneath a veil of smug satisfaction.

I nearly applauded her for her talent. She could have made a living on Broadway, yet she chose to play the other woman. What a waste of potential.

In no time, a crowd had gathered around us, exchanging glances that were all too eager to witness the unfolding drama.

"Ms. Osborne, you let go of the bags. Melanie didn't even have a chance to catch them," Vinson stepped before me, his gaze darkening as he faced Kayla.

Kayla's lips twitched into a barely contained smile as if she had been waiting for him to speak up.

Covering her mouth in a faux shock, Kayla mused, "Oh, you're Melanie's... Of course, you'd take her side."

Her words were intentionally vague, drawing curious looks from the crowd toward us.

Despite our efforts to clear the air about our rumored affair, skepticism lingered.

Clyde handed Kayla a jewelry box with a huff. "Your testimony doesn't count. How do we know you two aren't conspiring against Kayla?"

"Partners in crime!" I couldn't help but stare at Clyde as if he had lost his mind, especially since he seemed to have forgotten Merritt's explicit instructions for today. Hadn't it been for my connection to the Patterson family, I wouldn't have bothered coming to this anniversary party.

Kayla stepped forward, her eyes brimming with feigned innocence. "I can't afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was an accident. Even though it was a gift from Clyde, I had no intention of keeping it. It's too extravagant."

I nodded silently. Yes, Kayla didn’t intend to keep it and planned to shift the blame to me instead.

"Clyde, do you trust this woman over Melanie?" Vinson's disgust was palpable, his voice rising.

I tugged at his sleeve. "Forget it. He won't believe anything you say."

With no surveillance in place and Kayla having blocked everyone's view, I knew proving my innocence would be challenging. The only person who could vouch for me was not trusted.

Yet, Kayla persisted, "We can't let this go. What about the damaged jewelry?"

I knew she was looking for a way to shift the blame to me. I offered her a smile, "Aren't these considered marital assets? Why are you so upset?"

Thinking about involving the police crossed my mind, but I decided against it, considering it might only escalate the situation.

When the topic of marital assets came up, Kayla's chest rose and fell with barely contained anger.