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Novel Catalog
Chapter_72
Protecting Her
Melanie’s voice was sharp and filled with venom as she stormed into the room. “Chloe, you seem pretty comfortable, huh? Acting all high and mighty as the boss. Do you think you’re qualified?”
I remained calm, sitting back in my chair, letting her words bounce off me. Johnson followed her in, clearly sensing the tension. He attempted to mediate. “Ms. Murphy, why are you here? Can’t you resolve this at home? There are so many people here, and it’s not the right place. Besides—”
“Is she afraid of causing a scene? Who does she think she is?” Melanie interrupted, cutting him off, her words sharper than a knife.
I could feel the eyes of the employees through the frosted window, curious and eager to witness the drama. I turned to Johnson, my voice even. “Tell them to go home early.”
Johnson nodded quickly, moving to disperse the crowd of onlookers. They left reluctantly, though typically, they’d vanish even if there were only twenty minutes left in the workday.
Once the room was clear, I leaned back in my chair, eyeing Melanie carefully. “Please, continue with what you just said.”
Johnson sensed the escalating tension and positioned himself between us, his body language defensive.
Melanie glared at me, her arrogance palpable as she spat out, “Drop the act! You’re just sitting there and benefiting from such a serious problem. Did you do something? Did you drug my brother?!”
I raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re aware it’s serious? Who started it? Whatever the problem is, it’s between me and my husband. Why are you so concerned?”
Melanie’s eyes flashed with fury, but before she could respond, the door swung open, and Matthew entered the room.
“Have you lost your mind?!” he yelled at Melanie.
“Why’d you give her the money?” Melanie screamed, her voice filled with desperation and rage.
“Maybe she had something to do with all this. Why else would people look into the ‘founder of the company’? Is she trying to claim credit?” Melanie’s words were sharp, and for the first time, I could see the wheels turning in her head as she pieced things together.
I stood up, taking a step closer to Matthew, my voice cold. “Matthew Murphy, you came just in time! I have a question for you. Who gave Melanie the audacity to provoke me?”
I turned my gaze to Melanie, stepping toward her as I spoke. “You’ve pretended to be his wife twice now. Do you think you’re the real deal? Do you think you’ve become your brother’s… something?” I couldn’t even finish the thought, the disgust clear on my face.
Her face contorted with hostility, but before I could get any closer, Matthew pulled Melanie behind him, shielding her. His anger flared.
“Enough, both of you! Can’t you give me a break at such a horrible time?” He was trying to protect her, and that sent a chill down my spine.
The bitterness in the air was suffocating. The beautiful moments we used to share felt like they were from another life, long gone. The man I once loved was now just someone I couldn’t even recognize.
“So, you’re saying I’m causing a scene, right?” I asked, my voice trembling with a mix of rage and sadness. I stood up, moving toward him, unsure of what we even had left.
I could feel my heart breaking, piece by piece. I had been too hopeful, too optimistic in thinking that Matthew could somehow redeem himself. But now, all the dreams I had for our future were slipping through my fingers.
“You should take a closer look, Matthew,” I said, my tone firm, my eyes locked onto his. “This is my office.”
“So what?” Melanie chimed in from behind Matthew. “Without you, things wouldn’t turn out this way. If you could make my brother happy, would he seek out someone else?”
That last comment cut deep, the sting like a slap to my soul. My hands trembled with fury, and I could feel the pressure building in my chest.
“I dare you to repeat that!” I yelled, my voice cracking with a mix of heartache and anger. The words felt like daggers as they left my mouth, and I was done being silent. I needed Matthew to understand just how far he’d gone.