When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

Evelyn was like someone who had just spotted a lifebuoy in a stormy sea, rushing over with relief. "Fenton, how come you're back early? Weren't you supposed to be gone for another week or two?" "The tournament wrapped up, so I decided to head back earlier."

"How's big bro doing? I changed my flight as soon as I got the news. Is he awake yet?"

Fenton was dressed like a typical college student, bursting with youthful energy.

Pushing his suitcase and with a backpack slung over his shoulders, his face was full of life.

His arrival seemed to break the ice, and even Merritt gave him a warm smile.

"The doctors say your brother is still in the recovery phase."

"Heard you were at an international debate tournament? How did it go?"

Fenton sheepishly scratched his head, "Got second place. The home team took the win."

"But I snagged the Best Speaker award. Had to rush off, so I asked a mate to bring it back for me."

"Second place isn't bad at all, considering it's a global competition."

Eaton looked at his son with visible pride, his smile growing even wider.

Only Laird and his family seemed less than thrilled, exchanging glances among themselves.

I wasn't very familiar with Fenton; he had been studying abroad in Estoria for years.

But it seemed he was quite the achiever, with Evelyn often going on about how he was fast-tracked by his university and winning international awards.

Aside from the wedding day, this was only the second time I had met him.

He looked at me, slightly surprised, "Melanie? Have you lost weight?"

I just smiled and nodded, not saying much.

The atmosphere lightened considerably, and Merritt seemed more inclined to chat.

When the conversation turned to Fenton coming back to work in the country, Evelyn visibly tensed up.

"Fenton, you studied management, right? Ever think about what you'd want to do back here?"

Evelyn quickly reminded Merritt, "He's got a double degree; also studied economics." Merritt's smile broadened, "A fine young man. Your grandfather would have been proud." "So, are you thinking of going into management, or heading into the financial sector?" Fenton seemed a bit embarrassed, then glanced over at Clyde's hospital bed. "Great-uncle, I initially planned to get some experience at my brother's company..."

His gaze shifted to me briefly before he trailed off, but I understood his implication. It seemed the Patterson family also wanted Fenton to join the Patterson Group.

But it made sense. Even with a graduate degree, landing a good management position abroad can be tough.

With a family business ready and waiting, as long as he was competent, Clyde would surely value his talent.

Evelyn looked at Merritt, "Uncle, you've watched him grow up. Now, with Clyde like this, maybe he could help Melanie out."

"The old guard in the company likes

to

their weight around, b also be a support for

won't be intimidated.

I wasn't oblivious to the Eaton family's schemes, but having Fenton step into the company seemed like a decent option for now.

Fenton nodded, "I'll stand in for my brother until he wakes up. I'm green, so I'll need some guidance from Melanie. Once my brother's back on his feet, I can assist him and earn the ropes."

He was earnest and likable.

Merritt pondered for a moment then looked at me.

"Melanie, Fenton's qualifications are a good match, and the kid's got potential. Why not start him off in the marketing department?" "Merritt, your wish is my command."

With the Laird and Eaton family dynamics, I preferred to stay out of their games.

If Fenton was genuinely here to help, that was great. If he had motives like York, they were welcome to scheme amongst themselves.

In any case, until Clyde woke up, I was determined to hold down the fort at Talbot.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.