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.

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

the office of the Design Department, the mood was somber, and everyone

encouragement, but Clyde walked in with Kayla in tow. "Melanie, you've messed up such a crucial partnership. Looks like you don't really want your job, huh? Aren't

rest of the

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

It was your idea to lead." I was speechless at her audacity. She must think she was the heroine of a novel, expecting to triumph without effort. But she was sure

those professional drafts, how could I have made mistakes? Why couldn't you simplify it so anyone could understand before handing it over? You knew I wasn't from this field,

discontent started bubbling

up to the job but still taking

up whom? The Design Department has been overworking for so long, and now, it's all for

even cried yet.

united in their frustration, and Kayla shrank back beside

you're in charge of this project. If something screws up, it's on you.

worryingly. "Melanie, Mr. Patterson

even matter

about to take the fall for

I walked right

at me as I dumped the documents on his

"These aren't my mistakes, but I'm not

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