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Novel Catalog
Chapter_80
I’ll Let You in on a Secret
Melanie’s grin widened as she leaned back, savoring the tension she was creating. I could sense it—the wickedness in her tone. Whatever she was about to say, I knew it wouldn’t be anything good. But I refused to let her see how rattled I was. Instead, I sat back, arms crossed, unfazed.
“I don’t think coming here makes a difference,” I said coolly. “Just say what you must, and don’t beat around the bush. Your family isn’t here.”
Her laugh was mocking, full of self-satisfaction. “Haha! You always act all high and mighty,” she scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Matt can’t stand you acting like a princess. You’re boring and awkward, even when you’re trying to act cute!”
I felt my blood begin to boil. “Melanie, do you even know what shame is?” I shot back, unable to hide my fury. “I’ve never seen anyone as shameless as you.”
“Oh, Chloe, why do you always act superior to everyone?” she taunted, her eyes gleaming as she leaned in, her words dripping with venom. “You used to be so patient and enduring. How did you feel when you found the condoms in Matt’s pocket? He said you two never used those.”
Her words were like a punch to my gut, and I could feel my stomach churn. I had never thought Matthew would share the details of our private life with her. It was disgusting.
Melanie’s grin only grew as she swirled her wine, watching my face closely, knowing she had struck a nerve. “Are you angry? Let me tell you something.” She leaned forward as if delivering some grand revelation. “I put them there without his knowledge.” Her laugh was cruel, as if she found it all amusing, a prank played at my expense.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. She had crossed a line I didn’t even know existed. But I realized, just then, how low Melanie had fallen. She wasn’t the sweet, naive younger sister I once thought she was. She was bold, manipulative, and willing to do anything to get her way.
I looked at her, disgusted. “You’re sick,” I muttered under my breath.
Melanie, completely unbothered, sipped her wine again and gestured to me with a sly smile. “You should have a drink to calm your nerves. Learn to enjoy life, Chloe.”
I felt a bitter laugh rise in my throat. Enjoy life? Was she serious? How could I ever enjoy life in the presence of someone like her?
“Oh, I can’t stand you,” Melanie continued, seemingly unbothered by my silence. “But sometimes, I pity you. What else do you have, huh? Your daughter? That shabby house?”
Her words hit me harder than I wanted to admit. I was at a loss for a comeback. She had twisted thoughts, sick ones, explaining why she could even sleep with her brother. A shiver ran down my spine, and I barely kept myself together.
“Do you know my family prefers sons over daughters?” Melanie added, her voice low and almost conspiratorial. “My father was disappointed when you birthed Ava. Matt wants a son, but I can’t let you have one.” Her eyes gleamed with malice. “Still, you won’t get pregnant, even if you don’t use condoms. Hahaha! You don’t know what I did, huh?”
I bolted to my feet, fury overwhelming me. I couldn’t take it anymore. “Don’t—” But before I could finish, she grabbed my arm, pulling me back toward the couch.
“Don’t get too worked up, I haven’t finished yet!” she sneered.
I shrugged off her hand with a violent jerk. “Don’t touch me, you disgusting pig!” I yelled, the anger finally bursting free.
Melanie stumbled back onto the couch, but instead of being enraged, she just smirked. “I enjoy seeing you all worked up,” she said, almost gleeful. She poured herself another glass of wine, and then refilled mine.
“Oh, my dear sister-in-law,” she said, her voice dripping with mock sweetness.
I froze, my stomach tightening. “Don’t call me that!” I growled, the shiver running through me again.
“All right, I won’t call you that,” Melanie said with a casual shrug. “To be honest, I’ve never acknowledged you as my sister-in-law, either.” She leaned back, taking another sip of her wine, and continued, “But you see, Matt is so soft-hearted. Although he’s lost interest in you, he can’t end things. Besides, there’s a project we need to secure, so you’re still useful to us.”
Her words hit me like a slap across the face. So Matthew wasn’t the one pulling the strings after all. It was all Melanie. And I was still being kept around as a pawn in their game.
I gritted my teeth, struggling to control my anger. I wasn’t going to lose it in front of her. But the realization that Matthew hadn’t even known the depths of Melanie’s manipulation made my stomach turn.
Leaning in closer, she whispered with a sickening smile, “Chloe, I’ll let you in on a secret.”