Chapter 298
Melody had clearly thrown down the gauntlet, and her instincts kicked in as she reached for the passenger’s door, intent on claiming her rightful spot.
Dexter seemed utterly oblivious.
But as I stood there, refusing to get in, he stepped out and cajoled in a hushed tone, “Phoebe…”
Isn’t riding shotgun á privilege reserved for your girlfriend? What the heck is she?” I asked, my voice tinged with hurt.
Dexter winced, then offered an explanation. “She gets carsick.”
I made a retching gesture. “Well, I’m pregnant and even more carsick.”
Dexter glanced at Melody. “Sorry, shotgun’s for Phoebe today. She’s not feeling well.”
Melody’s grip tightened, and she reluctantly got out of the car, shooting me a venomous look.
I couldn’t help but smirk, wondering how long she could hold her temper.
Following Dexter back to the Fitzgeralds‘ place, I stayed put in the car until he came around to open my door.
I stepped out and looked around, taking in the familiar yet foreign surroundings.
Seeing Melody, red–eyed and rushing to get inside first, I couldn’t keep quiet. “Dexter, I remember you used to let me stay in the attic room across the way.”
I pointed to the storage space. “You said I pushed Melody and I owed her. You locked me in that attic, left me to burn with fever… on the brink of death. That’s on her, isn’t it?”
Dexter paused, then dropped his gaze, guilt–ridden. “Phoebe… I’m sorry”
Sorry doesn’t cut it.
“Shouldn’t Melody pay her debts too? That’s only fair,” I pressed firmly. “Just looking at her makes stay there. She’s the one clinging to you, begging for your protection.”
Dexter hesitated.
“Foebe Larson! Don’t you dare push it!” Melody snapped, losing her composure.
me ill. The attic’s quite nice; let her
“Back then, I was pregnant, Dexter. What did you do to me? It’s all her fault. What makes you think that Phoebe should pay Melody back when Melody doesn’t have to pay anything back to Phoebe?” I scoffed. “Dexter, your repentance seems a bit hypocritical, doesn’t it?”
Dexter quickly grasped my shoulders. “Phoebe, I didn’t mean that. She can stay in the attic.”
Turning to Melody, he said, “Phoebe has a stress response when she sees you. You’ll stay in the attic for now; the staff will clean it up. As long as you’re in the Fitzgerald home, you’re safe.”
Melody looked like she was on the verge of tears, her hands clenched. “Foebe Larson!”
I tilted my head and waved cheerily at Melody. “Heard the attic… might be haunted. Sweet dreams.”
Melody stamped her foot, pale as a ghost.
I yawned and headed to my room, uninterested in her drama.
I needed to connect with the CEO All–Stars Consortium, by any means necessary. Colin was in Damian’s clutches, and that was far too dangerous.
“Phoebe…” Dexter followed, catching my wrist gently. “Check the account I gave you when you have time. You’ll understand my reasons then. Everything I’ve said is true. Even though I’ve made many mistakes, you can’t keep following Caleb. He’s imprisoned you, hurt you; those are undeniable facts. Oh, and Phoebe, do you remember the wolfhound you had as a kid? The one you used to scare me with. Caleb, that maniac, was the one who killed it.”
