When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 15

Chapter 15



Right after Kayla's words landed, everyone in the office dropped what they were doing, their gazes shuttling between us.

Lina couldn't stand it anymore and stepped before me. "Ms. Osborne, you're just a personal assistant. Do you think you should be meddling in the affairs of the Design Department? And do you even realize how crucial this project is?"

"If it wasn't a big deal, why would I be the one handling it?" Kayla shoved Lina aside, looking down at me from her high horse. "Melanie, you've just returned to the company. You're not up to speed on many projects. Don't just try to grab the spotlight. You're just an employee here. Following orders is your job. Maybe it's time you checked your attitude at the door."

She extended her hand toward me, playing up the boss lady act.

I ignored her, heading straight for the CEO's office.

Inside, a few people were reporting on their work, but I slammed my hand down on Clyde's desk.

"So, you're letting Kayla run the Design Department now. You sure about that?"

Kayla hurried back at that moment, looking pitifully at Clyde. "Clyde, Melanie isn't willing to let me in, won't hand over the materials to me, and we have a meeting coming. What do I do? If the deal with Radiant Systems falls through, it will cost the company a fortune. Melanie, can you take responsibility for that?"

Kayla played the victim so well that one would think I was bullying her.

But I looked at Clyde, ignoring her. He gestured for the others to leave the office as if fearing they'd get caught in the crossfire if they lingered.

He then looked at me with a smug expression. "You haven't been at the office for months. Kayla has been working hard. What's the issue with her leading you? She'll be dealing with more tasks soon. The Design Department is just one aspect. Why don't you mentor her and take the time to teach her?"

I let out a cold laugh.

to be her guide. We were not

strong backer, Kayla quickly nodded vigorously. "Clyde, I'll study hard and become your right-hand

the Design Director, not responsible for training interns. If you want me

you say?" Clyde slammed his hand on the

fees. Otherwise, get HR to find her

said "okay" several times, then glared at me. "Are you only

I withdrew my hand. "You don't have to pay me directly. I want a raise since I'm doing

score. Clyde and I were over sentimentally. It might as well make it about money. He

me for a long while, ignoring

squeezed out. "Fine,

picked up his phone to dial

is HR. How can I help you?" The

at Clyde, whispering, "Some things are

didn't want to stoop so low, but he was no gentleman.

into the phone, "Promote

I grabbed my documents and left. As I passed Kayla, I

seemed stunned by

still a bit slow on the

no idea what Clyde and she discussed, but her eyes were red when she entered the meeting room. I had Lina prepare the meeting materials

our guests will arrive in

Mr. Patterson's assistant!" Kayla huffily took the documents, scribbling notes

about her capabilities, but her eagerness to prove herself probably meant she wasn't terrible. She'd likely perform well, especially since she was eager

Unfortunately, I overestimated her.

shadowed Clyde for

figured Kayla would at least have a basic grasp of company meetings. But even with a simple