When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 16

Chapter 16



"Fine, if the Patterson Group doesn't value our time, I'll be on my way then. Ms. Crawford, remember to send over the compensation or see you in court!"

Hanley was fuming, and Kayla added fuel to the fire. "Mr. Hanley, this isn't my fault. It's all Melanie's doing..."

I quickly stood up to apologize, "Mr. Hanley, you've got it all wrong. The Patterson Group values this partnership greatly. Ms. Osborne is Mr. Patterson's executive assistant and might be unfamiliar with the project, but I can take over from here."

I added, "You've seen my proposal. We're genuinely committed."

Hanley waved dismissively., "No need. We're out of our league with the Patterson Group. Let's call it quits."

No matter how much I tried to keep him, Hanley and his team left.

Before leaving, Hanley gave me a long, hard look. "Mrs. Patterson, I understand you're in a tough spot, but that's no excuse to neglect our partnership. This project got delayed far too long. The Patterson Group needs to give us an answer. Patterson embarrassed us like this. I can't just go and explain it away. You figure it out."

Then, I realized Radiant Systems had been displeased with Clyde's attitude from the start. And Kayla's actions only confirmed Clyde's disregard for them. Letting an intern lead a critical meeting and making mistakes was undoubtedly the Patterson Group's fault.

demanded respect, a gesture from the Patterson Group. It would be bad for both if things turned sour between Radiant Systems and the

the office of the Design Department, the mood was

like you don't really want your job, huh? Aren't you the lead? What were you doing during the meeting?" Clyde started berating me the moment he

rest of the office was dead

to lead the meeting, you should've said so earlier. Why set me

must think she was the heroine of a novel, expecting to triumph

field, yet you deliberately made it hard for me. Didn't you think about the company's interests?" Her blatant reversal of blame was astonishing. I'd

started bubbling in

to the job but still taking charge? That's

Department has been overworking for so long, and now, it's all

yet. What's Kayla crying

united in their frustration, and Kayla

with anger at me "Melanie, you're in charge of this project. If something screws up, it's on you. Find a solution,

me worryingly. "Melanie, Mr. Patterson is being unreasonable. It's not your

matter whose fault

the fall for

there. I walked

you knock?" Clyde frowned at me as

my mistakes, but I'm not dealing

glanced up, a cold snort escaping him. "Melanie, you're the lead. What, should Kayla