When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 55

Merritt had a soft spot for kids. It was a pity that he only had one grandson, Clyde.

York's little kid was turning two, prime cuteness overload, and everybody doted on him. Even though it was a family banquet, their birthday bash was lavish. Lucia always had a snide remark about me not having kids while others tried to smooth things over.

I tried to enjoy the lobster and abalone, telling myself it tasted better when it was free. After a hearty meal, I found solace in a corner, glued to my phone, not in the mood to deal with the Patterson family.

All smiles, Evelyn came over with a cup of tea. "It'll help with the digestion," she suggested, sitting beside me, seeming to have something on her mind but struggling to start.

Setting the tea aside, I urged, "Out with it, Evelyn."

She gave an awkward laugh, then pulled out her phone. "Melanie, I've always preferred you. You know when to step back and step up. Clyde's blind, but he'll see the light, especially with such a sluttish woman."

Her phone displayed two photos of Kayla dining out with a man.

Without hesitation, Evelyn forwarded them to me. "These mistresses aren't loyal anymore, always looking for more men, especially with Clyde being married. Do you think Clyde would dump her if he found out?" Patting my shoulder, she left.

The man in the photo seemed familiar. Zooming in, I recognized him as the guy trailing behind Jade at the bids, his conspicuous red birthmark on his left hand a dead giveaway.

Could he be the one Kayla was conversing with over the phone? And the one who betrayed Jade? Things started to make sense if he was part of her team.

As I left the Patterson Mansion, my mind was buzzing, trying to connect dots between events that seemed unrelated at first.

Sensing my preoccupation, Clyde chose silence over conversation.

At a crossroads, I asked him to stop. "Jade's been down. I'm worried about her."

Avoiding a confrontation about our marriage, I used Jade as an excuse.

He hesitated, then turned left, dropping me at Jade's.

Bursting into Jade’s room, I found her venting over a game.

Snatching her phone, I demanded. "Is this guy from your company?"