When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 50

Chapter 50



Kayla's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced my way, masking any hint of sorrow beneath a veil of smug satisfaction.

I nearly applauded her for her talent. She could have made a living on Broadway, yet she chose to play the other woman. What a waste of potential.

In no time, a crowd had gathered around us, exchanging glances that were all too eager to witness the unfolding drama.

"Ms. Osborne, you let go of the bags. Melanie didn't even have a chance to catch them," Vinson stepped before me, his gaze darkening as he faced Kayla.

Kayla's lips twitched into a barely contained smile as if she had been waiting for him to speak up.

Covering her mouth in a faux shock, Kayla mused, "Oh, you're Melanie's... Of course, you'd take her side."

Her words were intentionally vague, drawing curious looks from the crowd toward us.

Despite our efforts to clear the air about our rumored affair, skepticism lingered.

Clyde handed Kayla a jewelry box with a huff. "Your testimony doesn't count. How do we know you two aren't conspiring against Kayla?" "Partners in crime!" I couldn't help but stare at Clyde as if he had lost his mind, especially since he seemed to have forgotten Merritt's explicit instructions for today. Hadn't it been for my connection to the Patterson family, I wouldn't have bothered coming to this anniversary party.

innocence. "I can't afford to pay for such expensive jewelry. It was an accident. Even though it

keep it and planned to shift the blame to me

woman over Melanie?" Vinson's

his sleeve. "Forget it. He

place and Kayla having blocked everyone's view, I knew proving my innocence would be challenging. The only

can't let this go. What about the

assets? Why are you

of marital assets came up, Kayla's chest rose and fell with barely contained

Don't you know what day it is?" Leaning on his cane, Merritt made his way over and whacked

a smile, attempting to play nice. "Mr.

the right to make a scene here?" Lucia's sharp voice cut through, sending Kayla stumbling. Ever graceful, Evelyn supported Merritt. "Young lady, don't ever go around fussing over nothing. The Patterson family dislikes fussbudgets. The rightful Mrs. Patterson is right here. And you

moment, Lucia and Evelyn stood united in their disdain. Perhaps they were worried about the family fortune if a younger, healthier

glared at Clyde. "Aren't you supposed

command, the crowd dispersed

Patterson. Thankfully, the anniversary celebration

we returned to the Patterson Mansion.

kneeling with a

and anger. "You said this jade was for Melanie. Why was it on that little tramp? And this dress, does she even deserve it? Are you trying to mock

at the anniversary, giving the

silent, only

way. I realized then