When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Geneva couldn't stop her tears, shaking her head in denial, struggling to come closer.

Talbot pressed the gun against her temple, "Move again, and you'll be the first I take down!"

"Galen Brown, eager to save your daughter, huh? Fine, but I want to see the money first!"

He then gestured with his gun towards me, "You and Melanie, in exchange for Geneva. Fair, isn't it?"

"Melanie, after all, is Mrs. Patterson. Even the cops tread lightly around her. With her by my side abroad, what do I have to fear?"

"Melanie isn't your flesh and blood, you know who you should save."

He burst into laughter again, and Geneva, scared, closed her eyes.

Galen Brown crawled a few steps closer, his plea humble and desperate.

"Let the kids go, and I can get you the money. What do you think I've been doing all these years?"

"The key is with me, and I'm the primary holder. Melanie can't touch the money!"

"Talbot, the cops are on your trail. You can't escape through normal means, but I can smuggle you out! Believe me, I'm in deep trouble too and can't stay in the country!"

Hearing this, a glint of hope appeared in Talbot's eyes.

"Right, how could I forget? You cooked the books, losing billions. You're definitely facing a long stretch behind bars!"

Galen Brown nodded, "That's why I found a smuggler early on. How else do you think you haven't caught me till now?"

"I returned to the country just over two years ago, aiming to transfer the funds abroad. Trust me."

Galen Brown's expression was sincere, causing Talbot to waver.

What better hostage than a fellow criminal also looking to flee?

Taking me and Geneva would only slow him down, but Galen Brown would be a different story.

I wanted to say something but saw Galen Brown shake his head at me.

"The key, the key's right here. Don't believe me? Check!"

"Abroad, nobody cares who Melanie is. As long as we have money, we can fake anything!"

"Trust me, this money is ours, and we won't have to serve time!"

Talbot seemed tempted by the offer.

Henson was skilled, initiating actions within a day or two, leaving Talbot unprepared.

His being alone proved his lack of readiness.

Galen Brown slowly stood up, holding a USB drive.

"I'll exchange myself for Geneva. the car and leave first.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

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t chase you relentless t the hostages, the costet

"Geneva, I'm your dad. You don't want me to end up in jail, right? Help dad delay the cops, okay?"

Galen Brown's eyes finally sparkled when they met Geneva's.

Geneva shook her head, then nodded desperately, tears uncontrollably streaming down.

Galen Brown gave me a deep look,

and

Spoof the corner of my eye, I

the

the police slowly ascending

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I stood still, already planning my next move to rescue Geneva first.

Galen Brown, meanwhile, cautiously approached Talbot.

"I don't want to end up in jail, or I would have exposed you long ago. We're in this together."

"Talbot, think about it. If you're looking at a life sentence, where does that leave me?"

"So, we should stick together..."

Suddenly, his expression changed, and he lunged viciously at Talbot.

"Go to hell!"

Talbot was caught off guard.

Bang!

A shot rang out, and I instinctively

ran to Geneva, dragging her aside et

with all

my might, then holding her

tight in my embrace.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Several more shots followed, and I closed my eyes tight, my grip tightening with each sound.

Until someone came over and tried to pull me away, I struggled reflexively.

Then I heard the police's voice, "We're the police, you're safe now."