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."

if you agree, we can process the payment immediately." I slid the paperwork across the table to him. "Mr. Stone, several big projects are coming up for Patterson Group that require even more supplies. I

for a

branch manager, Clyde might be the future CEO. Securing a partnership with Patterson Group could guarantee steady profits for years. Seeing his interest, I showed

“Ms. Crawford, you sure have a way with

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

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

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

on the way, I'd have a cool half-million in the bank, easing my financial

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

I finally picked up, thinking

"Come get me, Velvet

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

Dailey sounded genuinely

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I couldn't let Clyde make a scene. As his wife, at

the bar, Clyde was

"Babe, you came! They're all liars, saying you wouldn't come. I knew you

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