Cage

Chapter 149

Talbot was desperate to establish this cooperation, so he booked a flight ticket for Clyde and only included Lisa in the plan.

Clyde hurried to book a flight ticket for me as well while reading the message on his phone.

“Nothing to do with me. I did not ask her to do this for me.”

“I’m not a design expert and it’s of no use for me to go there. Consider it as keeping you company.”

He gave me a sly grin, while I just rolled my eyes at him.

It became clear to me: Talbot and his family were eager to seek cooperation with the Pattersons.

Still, I couldn’t shake off a worry, “If we all leave, what about York…”

He’s bound to stir up trouble.

Clyde responded indifferently, “He can make no move if we don’t give him a chance.”

He winked at me, obviously having a plan up his sleeve.

I was surprised to see Eliana also rushing over on my arrival at the airport.

“Melanie, that’s really low! Why didn’t you call me?”

Apparently she must have rushed over from the office as she was still in her business attire.

“Where are you headed?”

I asked, puzzled.

She pushed her suitcase aside, “Off to Ironvale, of course. Have you forgotten? You owe me a design, and Jade’s project has kicked off. I need to supervise the construction, don’t I?”

She glanced at Lisa beside me and then pulled me aside.

“I’ve spoken with folks from the Chandler family. Some senior Crawford family employees are around and maybe you could meet them?”

She blinked her eyes and I pinched her cheek, touched by her.

She was creating opportunities for me while also serving as my shield..

Upon Townsville, Talbot came to the airport to pick us up in person.

Lisa, clutching Clyde’s sleeve, introduced him, “Dad, this is Clyde.”

The group engaged in a warm chat, as if they were oblivious to my presence.

Only at the last moment did Talbot’s gaze on me.

“Melanie, why so silent? Come on and get in the car. I have prepared a bunch of delicious food for you.”

I nodded but I could not even give him a smile.

I felt like a luggage handler as everyone else moved ahead.

O

た

Then Clyde stopped to help me with my luggage, his smile betraying a hint of guilt.

I snorted and boarded the car first.

Talbot’s hospitality towards Clyde confirmed our suspicions.

Only a plutocrat like the Pattersons could offer such substantial funding for the project and help redeem his son.

Talbot had our luggage placed in separate rooms after we arrived at the villa.

Clyde’s face fell instantly.

“Talbot, what’s the meaning of this?”

First taken aback, Talbot then wore a knowing look.

“Aren’t Melanie and you… Perhaps it’s better to stay in separate rooms.”

09:45

Chapter 149

Right, Melanie?”

I nodded emotionlessly, turning away from Clyde’s furious gaze.

The game just began and we must play till the end, so we needed to create an opportunity for Lisa.

Talbot burst into laughter when he saw me do that.

During dinner, he occasionally prodded Clyde about any plans of divorce and connections through marriages.

Clyde gripped his fork so tightly, thankful that it was made of metal. Otherwise, he might have snapped it in two.

The tension continued until bedtime when my door was suddenly knocked on.

As I opened it, Clyde broke in.

“Melanie, you are really a game player, huh? Making me stay out, are you?”

He pinned me against the door, leaning in for a kiss.

Suddenly, a knock sounded from the next room, and Lisa’s sugary voice called out.

“Clyde, are you asleep yet?”