When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 179

"Talbot, you're sticking your nose a bit too far into my business, don't you think? Since when do I need to report my whereabouts to you?"

I pulled my jacket closer around me, aiming to leave the rooftop.

Galen's hiding spot wasn't exactly Fort Knox, but thankfully, it was dark out. As long as I didn't glance in that direction, Talbot wouldn't spot him.

But Talbot blocked my path. "Where do you think you're going?"

"What's wrong with you? Can't I go back to sleep now?"

"I'm not a prisoner, am I? Since when did I lose my freedom?"

I shoved his hand away with more force than necessary. The rooftop wasn't exactly spacious, and it was only a matter of time before he'd realize someone else was up here.

Sure enough, Talbot cast a suspicious glance around the rooftop.

"Just you up here?"

"Who else? Clyde went back to the hotel."

But he stubbornly blocked the door, "Melanie, is that how you speak to your elders?"

His tone was icy, almost angry.

"Don't think just because Clyde cares about you, you can do whatever you want. This is my turf."

"If I want you dead, you wouldn't last a day!"

A flash of malice crossed his eyes, and I instinctively stepped back, then laughed.

"Right, my situation is just like Tammie's."

"You think he could survive abroad without money?"

"What? Planning to kill me here? Kill Mrs. Patterson, and for the sake of the Patterson family's reputation, they'd tear you apart!"

I put on a brave face, standing my ground.

If he decided to kill me here, it'd be a wrongful death.

Even if Galen could intervene, our cover would be blown.

I noticed Galen stepping out, and I quickly waved him off, signaling him to stay hidden.

Mentioning Tammie only seemed to fuel Talbot's rage.

"Melanie, what do you know?"

He hesitated, then retracted his hand.

I pushed him away and made my way to the rooftop door.

"And without Galen, I can't access the money anyway. The keys are with him."

"So, I can't use that money right now. If you can find Galen, then we'll talk."

Opening the door, I saw Talbot following me, and my heart finally settled.

He seemed to mull over what I had just said, remaining silent.

It wasn't until we reached the elevator that he spoke up.

"Melanie, I don't need your money, but I'll for sure help you track down Galen."

I snorted coldly, not saying much more.

Right now, he'd probably prefer me dead, the inheritance his to divide with Clyde, battling over marital assets.

As we entered the elevator, he continued, "But we can't stop the cooperation with the Patterson family. I'll help you, but you need to help me. Deal?"