When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 21

Chapter 21



Kayla stormed out, tears streaming down her face, leaving everyone in the office shocked and staring at me.

I grinned at the onlookers. "Looks like you're all just slackers without your big-shot backers, huh?"

I could tell they were astonished that I, the usual pushover, had finally stood my ground. I didn't mean to make things tough for Kayla, though.

I would've been happy to live and let live if she hadn't messed with me. However, she had other ideas.

When I returned to the Design Department, I could feel the shift in how people looked at me. For a big company, they sure had a knack for gossip. When checking my messages, I saw a flurry of chatter about the incident.

[Has Melanie been possessed or something? She's been looking skinny lately. I hope she's okay."

[Maybe she's just had enough? Who could put up with being cheated on for three years without snapping?]

[Kayla ran crying to Mr. Patterson's office. I bet $100 Melanie will get an earful!]

[I'll put down $20 that Melanie gets off scot-free.]

Everyone was betting, but most people figured Clyde would back his girl and go against me. It seemed their opinion of him was unanimous. Over the years, he'd seemed to have my back.

the stick? Yet, I didn't get the anticipated dressing down. Things seemed oddly calm. Until, close to quitting time, Lina approached me in tears and with a stack of paperwork. "Melanie, the secretary said Mr. Patterson was too busy

the paperwork, frowning. "Why are

"Ms. Osborne kept finding issues with the format and the font... We had to keep revising. And

the verge of tears, and I completely understood her frustration. Someone would have to answer for it if the company faced losses. And a price hike from the supplier, even

was there, nibbling on a cupcake and cozying

documents?" I slid the paperwork across his desk. "Since you haven't signed off yet, finance hasn't made

stood up, visibly shaken. "It's after hours. Can't Mr. Patterson have a break?

to get this sorted for hours. It is on you." I said my piece and wasn't interested in watching them feed each other

of me, but I wouldn't let Lina and the

then glanced over the documents, his brow furrowing. He didn't become the heir

Spot

it was

act.

him. With a sneer, he pushed the documents

but I'm the head of

Maybe we should go

gave him a wide, cheerful smile, then glanced at Kayla, who turned pale as a ghost. She probably only wanted to

only partnered with them due to a sudden shortage. They had given us a bargain, and Patterson Group's

the documents again. "How much are they raising

without hesitation. "Half a percent. It will likely

Clyde's attention. He sat up,

wouldn't lie about work