When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 87

After the police had no further need of me, I hailed a cab back to Patterson Mansion. Given the scandal that had engulfed the Pattersons, staying with Jade was no longer an option. Besides, Clyde had only been feigning illness, requiring daily updates on the business to keep his remote control firm.

As I pushed open the mansion's grand doors, an unexpected sight greeted me.

There, seated on the living room sofa with a brazen tilt of her chin, was none other than Kayla. Her hand rested on her belly, her eyes brimming with triumph.

In those brief seconds, my brain seemed to short-circuit, unable to comprehend the scene before me.

Lucia lounged on the couch, passing Kayla an apple with a disdainful glance in my direction.

"Some hens can't lay eggs, it seems. Kayla's carrying Clyde's baby. Isn't it time she was given her due recognition?"

Laird chimed in, "A Patterson child can't be born out of wedlock. It's time to acknowledge the lineage!"

Their back-and-forth was cut by York sipping coffee quietly, though his sidelong glances at me didn't go unnoticed.

Merritt watched the unfolding drama with a cool detachment.

Clyde approached, taking my hand, attempting an explanation, but Laird interrupted.

"Clyde, you're the last of your line. You can't let it end with you!"

"In the old days, Melanie could have been sent away for not bearing children within three years!"

Frozen by Laird's words, Clyde turned angrily.

"This isn't the past! My family's affairs are none of your concern!"

I gently withdrew my hand from his, not interested in his explanations.

Smiling, I took a seat in a corner.

"Just back from the police station. They seem interested in Ms. Osborne."

Kayla shrank back, fear in her eyes, which only irritated Lucia further.

"Melanie, what are you implying? Do you really want a Patterson child born behind bars?"

"You've always been like this. If you can't have a child, you won't let anyone else have one either. If you were capable, would Clyde need to look elsewhere?"

"Lucia, this is a family matter. Stay out of it!" Clyde interjected, trying to shield me from further insults.

But I wasn't really angry. I had never intended to bear his child.

Laird scoffed, "With your frail health, can you even bear a child? This might be your last chance!"

I caught a look from Merritt. He hadn't spoken, but his understanding was clear.