When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 172

Clyde's expression finally softened after we got into the car.

"Man, playing the role of a tough guy really suits you, doesn't it? Didn't I do a good job back there?"

"Yeah, thumbs up for you."

I silently gave him a thumbs-up. "So, how did a great actor like you end up getting hurt?"

Clyde coughed awkwardly, seemingly a bit embarrassed.

"Would you believe me if I said I got into a fight?"

"That's hard to believe."

I stared at him in disbelief. I really couldn't.

Back in school, Clyde was known for being formidable.

He had a reputation for dealing with anyone who bothered me, and now he's Mr. Patterson. How could he have been beaten?

He glanced at me sheepishly, then quickly puffed out his chest.

"There were like a dozen of them, okay? Considering that, this is just a scratch."

"So, you got hurt because you were protecting Lisa?"

I raised an eyebrow at him, and he hurried to explain.

It turned out that not all the people involved in the construction project were willing to leave; some were forced out.

It's hard to imagine that kind of thing still happening.

At first, Talbot's iron-fisted approach worked, especially with the backing from powerful allies. The opposition had no choice but to leave, accepting minimal compensation.

But then, led by someone, they decided to make a stand.

After all, each family was short of over a million in compensation, so naturally, they didn't want to back down.

Except for a few households, which only had elderly couples and didn't show up, the rest brought relatives and friends.

Eliana's trembling voice came through the phone.

"Melanie, you... you might want to stay indoors, there's been another incident!"

"The people who protested at the Crawford family's construction site today were involved in a car accident, dozens died!"

"The news is calling it an accident, but it doesn't look like one to me!"

Seeing the news link she sent me, Clyde and I exchanged a look of shock.

A van and a truck collided, with the van going significantly over the speed limit, resulting in the death of everyone involved in both vehicles.

Eliana kept urging me over the phone, clearly terrified.

"Melanie, are you listening? Don't go out if it's not necessary, just... just stay safe for now."

"Maybe you should head back. This place doesn't seem safe."

"I'm not fully aware of the situation on the ground, but I managed to find out about the truck driver. I saw him at the hospital the other day!"