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.

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

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

to offer some words of encouragement, but Clyde walked in with Kayla in tow. "Melanie, you've messed up such a crucial partnership. Looks like you don't

of the office was

"Melanie, if you didn't want me to lead the meeting, you should've said so earlier. Why set

think she was the heroine of

me 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, yet you deliberately made it hard for me. Didn't you think about

started

not up to the job but still taking charge?

overworking for

cried yet.

their frustration, and Kayla shrank back

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

with Kayla, and Lina looked at me worryingly. "Melanie, Mr. Patterson is

it even matter whose fault

take the fall for his mistress. I gathered al the materials

there. I

me as I dumped

my mistakes, but I'm not dealing with it. All the files are

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