When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

Chapter 54

Chapter 54



I dashed out of the taxi and made a beeline for the cafe. By the time I arrived, Jade's eyes were red from crying, and she stuttered through her explanation.

After winning the bid today, a colleague secretly informed Jade that the boss had got her replaced.

The boss planned to wait until everything was smooth sailing before letting his brother-in-law take over, depriving Jade of her deserved bonus. "We're talking about a bonus of $700,000, seven hundred thousand! Asshole! He sweet-talked me into joining the company, only to set me up like this!" Her sobs grew heavier, her voice even more hoarse.

I gently patted her back, asking, "Did they get the confidential designs, too?"

The Design Department's documents were top secret. Even though Jade trusted me deeply, she had personally double-checked many classified materials just the day before.

Without being a core designer, it was impossible to access these materials.

Jade angrily slammed her fist on the table. "Someone tampered with my computer and copied most of the designs, but I kept the core parts to myself."

I nodded, understanding that we could work something out if they didn't have everything.

The phone rang, and Jade visibly bristled when she saw the caller ID, but she answered on speaker.

"Hey, Jade, I heard you weren't feeling well and took the day off. Take a few more sick days. I know it's hard for you to talk right now. Don't worry about the project. My brother-in-law's just returned from abroad and dabbles in design. He'll cover for you for a bit. Make sure to rest up. Don't sacrifice your health for work."

"BOSS," I knew

a nasal tone, then

won the bidding, and with the design phase complete, it only needed supervision. Her position usurped by the

table again. "I won't hand

didn't need to take

we could easily shrug off. We needed a plan to ensure Jade wouldn't take the blame later on. With the boss' directive, it was clear he

were on leave, so we eventually decided to head home. We had planned to indulge in a hearty meal to vent our frustrations, but

the birthday of Uncle Laird's grandson. The family's gathering for

want to decline. But Clyde seemed to anticipate my response, quickly adding, "I've picked up the gifts, and

had no choice but to go. I glanced apologetically at Jade,

me. "Go. I could use a nap anyway. Don't

waiting downstairs. "Didn't want you to

chauffeur. I didn't play hard to get but took the

and his tone softened, though tinged with complaint. "How come you're back

got cornered at work. I had to be

been good to her, sticking together like sisters since

how he'd made similar remarks

it only dwindled after we started dating. Without Jade, I doubt

want to dwell on this with him, quickly changing the

genuinely saw no

were industry elites. Adding a third department seemed pointless, especially given their apparent lack