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

considered it for a

a branch manager, Clyde might be the future CEO. Securing a partnership with Patterson Group could

Jake was convinced. “Ms. Crawford, you sure have a way with

I was too timid to say anything, even if it meant being known as the wife with a cheating

the mother of invention, right? Mr. Patterson sent me, so here I

role of the wronged wife had its perks. It earned me sympathy in our circles, and Jake no longer saw me as a threat. However, he insisted that the Patterson Group partner with him on their next project as a condition for supplying goods at the

that hurdle cleared, I was in high spirits. Once the delivery was on the way, I'd

ready to celebrate with a good night's sleep, but Clyde's incessant

him several times, I finally picked up, thinking of the potential financial fallout if something happened

out, "Come

sounding desperate. "Come on, Melanie.

Dailey sounded genuinely

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and headed out. I couldn't let Clyde make a scene. As his wife, at least on paper,

the bar, Clyde

me, he lunged forward. "Babe, you came! They're all liars, saying you

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