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."

to him. "Mr. Stone, several 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 stable collaboration

it for a moment, his interest

Patterson Group could guarantee steady profits for

was convinced. “Ms. Crawford, you sure have a way with words. I had

I got the gist. Everyone thought I was too timid to say anything, even if it meant being known

Mr. Patterson sent me, so here I am. Luckily, you

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

the delivery was on the way,

night's sleep,

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

"Come get me, Velvet

sounding desperate. "Come on, Melanie. Clyde's lost it,

Dailey sounded genuinely

าวน ์

one of Clyde's few good friends, he'd always been decent tome. Reluctantly, I got dressed and headed out. I

the bar, Clyde was indeed

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

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