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."

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 benefit both

considered it for a moment,

might be the future CEO. Securing a partnership with Patterson Group could guarantee steady profits for years. Seeing his interest, I showed him several successful case studies

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

gist. Everyone thought I was too timid to say anything, even

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

wife had its perks. It earned me sympathy in our circles, and Jake no longer saw me as a threat. However, he insisted that

high spirits. Once the delivery was on the way, I'd have

ready to celebrate with a good night's sleep,

several times, I finally picked up, thinking

rang out, "Come get me,

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

Dailey sounded genuinely

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

the bar, Clyde was indeed

he lunged forward. "Babe, you came! They're all liars, saying you wouldn't come.

but I couldn't push him away. Eventually, I let him