When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 22

Chapter 22



I already knew the supplier from working with the Patterson Group a few times before, but we weren't that close.

When I arrived at their office, the air was thick with tension.

"Ms. Crawford, what a surprise. You've got some free time on your hands now? Our little operation might be too small to handle a big fish like Patterson Group. Don't you think so?"

Jake Stone barely glanced up, lazily stirring his coffee as he spoke.

I was well aware that the mess was on Patterson Group's end, so I didn't put up much of a fight. If there was one thing I'd learned over the years, it was how to play the underdog in negotiations. Sometimes, playing up the gender card did work in the business world.

Especially since Jake was still around after hours, clearly waiting for someone from Patterson Group to show up. After all, no one else could supply on such short notice.

Jake's demeanor softened after a bit of smooth-talking, though he was far from satisfied. "We gave Patterson Group our best deal, rushed the job without extra charges, and now, you're holding back payment? That's hardly fair."

big projects are coming up for Patterson Group that require even more supplies. I know your company has plenty of partners, but wouldn't

a moment,

the future CEO. Securing a partnership with Patterson Group could

sure have a way with

Everyone thought I was too timid to say anything,

laughed off the awkwardness. "Necessity is the mother of invention, right? Mr. Patterson sent me, so here I am. Luckily, you

and Jake no longer saw me as a threat. However, he insisted

on

to celebrate with a good night's sleep, but

up, thinking

voice rang out, "Come get me, Velvet

came through, sounding desperate. "Come on, Melanie. Clyde's lost it, calling everyone babe. He might lose it

Dailey sounded genuinely

าวน ์

he'd always been decent tome. Reluctantly, I got dressed and headed out. I couldn't let Clyde make a scene. As his wife, at

Clyde was indeed

They're all liars, saying you wouldn't come.

my neck with kisses, making my skin crawl, but I couldn't push him away.