When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

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?"

Jade's anger froze upon seeing the photo. "Yeah, Hank. But what's he doing with Kayla?" We were both stumped after sharing the call I overheard and the photos Evelyn gave me. It was all too suspicious.

Deciding to investigate further over the weekend, we hit a snag at the restaurant from the photo. There was no reason to access their security footage without involving the police, which wasn't an option.

"Look who it is, the dynamic duo! What brings you to my restaurant?" Eliana's voice rang.

Jade and I exchanged glances before pulling her aside.

"What's the plan? Kidnapping, blackmail, murder?" Eliana stood defiant as if challenging us.

We explained the situation and emphasized Kayla's role as Clyde's mistress. Visibly irritated, Eliana snapped into action. "What do you want? Spit it

out."

Humbly, I laid out our predicament

knowing Eliana's fondness for Clyde.

Eliana's demeanor shifted at the

mention of a favor, smirking at the opportunity to help.

Eliana was at her wit's end as she exposed all the scheming, pointing out Kayla's betrayal. "Kayla's such a snake..."

"Consider it done. Just wait." She marched off, turning back, and playfully urged us to order something while she worked her magic.

True to her word, Eliana returned swiftly with footage of Kayla's secret meetings with Hank, including cash exchanges.

"Why would she target me?" Jade pondered, baffled.

Sipping her coffee, Eliana nudged me for an explanation.

Apologizing, I admitted, "It's my fault. If not for me, Jade wouldn't be in this mess."

Eliana slammed her cup down, her gaze hardening. "Melanie, don't be so defeatist. Kayla's the issue, not you."

Jade glared in disagreement.

On her feet, Eliana seethed, "You're

letting Kayla win? Unacceptable! I'll send you the video if she tries anything But you better deal with her. I didn't lose to you back ing

college to watch see Kayla walk all over you now. You have to win, or else!"