When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 24

Chapter 24



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Clyde's words hit me like a freight train. After all these years together, he knew what strings to pull, leaving no room for excuses.

I forced my eyes wide open, fighting back tears and refusing to let my eyes redden, especially not before him and Kayla. I didn't want to show weakness.

I nodded and left the office without another word in the end. Clyde was right. I had no say in the matters of the Patterson Group, and I certainly couldn't speak on its behalf.

Everyone knew I was the unwanted Mrs. Patterson, and my promises were worth only as much as I could personally uphold. But I had to take responsibility for this mess. I owed Jake an explanation.

When I arrived at his office, Jake smashed a coffee mug on the floor right before me. The mug shattered with a loud snap.

"Melanie, this isn't how we handle things. Do you know how much I've had to adjust our production schedule for the Patterson Group project?" Jake exploded. "Now you're pulling the rug out from under me? Is this your way of saying you don't want to work with me?"

I was at a loss for words. The Patterson Group had decided to go with Apex Group, leaving no room for a deal with Jake. I kept apologizing, trying to calm his anger.

But Jake was livid, standing up abruptly and shoving me toward the door.

felt something trickling from my nose, and then I saw the

saw blood on my hand,

yelled, "Call 911,

to tell him I was okay. It was probably just a side effect of some

lose consciousness entirely. I was vaguely aware of people lifting me onto a stretcher, chaotic footsteps around

came to, night

and his wife were by my bed. Seeing me awake, they hurried

Crawford, are you okay? How are you feeling?" Mrs. Stone looked genuinely

Stone. I

your fault. You've had it rough." Jake waved

contract would upset anyone. It was more than just a

me a glass

at her husband. "Ms. Crawford, the doctor said it was a reaction to the medication, but they didn't specify which one. Jake already called Mr. Patterson,

met mine, full of sympathy. I got the message loud

all. Either Kayla hadn't mentioned my situation to

sighed, hiding my disappointment, and reached for my phone. "Mr. Stone, my visit wasn't just to apologize. I'm here to

him contacts of

I

I had previously

Ret

company. Lkriow this mishap with the Patterson Group is our fault.