When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 40

Chapter 40



Was it Merritt's warning that did the trick? Clyde had been unusually quiet these days. Even at the office, he'd look the other way when our paths crossed.

Just when I thought he was done making my life difficult, Kayla decided to stir up some real trouble.

Aspire World had sent representatives. And she, for some reason, didn't bother to inform me and left them hanging in the conference room. When I got Vinson's text, I found out he and his team had been at our office for over an hour.

I rushed to the meeting room. "Vinson, you're with Aspire World?"

"I'm so sorry. My colleague didn't tell me you were here. I would've been here immediately if you'd texted me sooner."

Seeing him surrounded by his team, I could tell he held a position of authority. A part of me was secretly thrilled. If Vinson were in charge of the project, it'd be a cakewalk compared to dealing with Bill.

A young lady beside Vinson shot me a disapproving look. "Starting by name-dropping? Ms. Crawford, you made us wait this long. You think this will slide like that, huh? Last time, you made Mr. Jenkins wait, and now, Mr. Davis. What, is this your way of showing dominance?"

my best apologetic smile and kept saying sorry over and over. With

laden with a dozen cups of coffee and a box of assorted pastries. "Sorry, everyone, Ms. Crawford insisted this bakery was worth the hype, so I queued up. My apologies

wiped the sweat from her brow and winked at me. The Aspire World team, mostly young folks, livened up

easier to communicate with the younger crowd,

I haven't seen these pastries in the store

about to get down to business, oblivious to the room, Kayla barged in. "Already digging in? Are we here for a meeting or a feast?" She sneered at the spread on the table. "Melanie, this is what you serve your guests? Store-bought cakes that cost a

meal then?" I took a long sip

Kayla could retort, Vinson interrupted, "Ms. Osborne, right? We've been here over an hour, and you've been saying

suit jacket, his team following suit. "We'll take our leave if your company isn't interested in cooperating. Melanie, I'll cover

with a forced smile, apparently unaware of Vinson's role with Aspire

glanced at me with a hint of disdain. "What's going on?

causing the delay. Last time, she made Mr. Jenkins wait. Seems deliberate to me." Kayla was quick to clear

The Aspire World

all been in the corporate world long enough

business. If Aspire World walks away, can you bear the

his ignorance. I would have never pursued him if he had always been