When Love Becomes a Cage by Nora

I couldn't tell if Rachel was gunning for Mrs. Patterson's spot or the role of the design director.

This time, my colleagues rose to my defense without any prompt from me.

"Look, Mr. Patterson, all three department projects are currently under Ms. Crawford's wing. We can't just switch gears like this."

"Exactly," another chimed in. "We've just sealed the deal with Hightide Enterprises. There's no way they'd agree to a sudden change."

"And Rachel stepping in across departments? That doesn't sit right. We're about to wrap things up here."

"Is she trying to pull a fast one? Undermine the project at the eleventh hour?"

Wrapping up the project meant it was almost time for bonuses to be distributed.

Switching me out now meant not only would my bonus vanish into thin air, but Rachel's name would likely be the one emblazoned on the final project design. Rachel knew this, and of course, so did Clyde.

Clyde furrowed his brow, clearly in a bind, but Rachel's gentle tug at his sleeve seemed to make up his mind for him.

"Given Melanie's health issues, she'll take a step back for now. The Design Department will be Rachel's to oversee." "Melanie, hand over all the project materials to Rachel. No need to hold anything back."

as I let

down, I had

Clyde's backing, Rachel wouldn't dare to be

had once made him considerate, he wouldn't have

was his wife; it was a testament to my capabilities. Whether he was truly mad or feigning ignorance, I had no intention of squabbling with him anymore. Jade

decision. I'll start

and if Rachel was eager to take over, I was willing

finally broke

side, she even had the audacity to

can't let one person's situation derail the project. And besides, there were flaws in your

amend or overhaul it as you see fit," I responded emotionlessly. "I've emailed you

use the hard copies and the files on your computer." Rachel's frown betrayed

is personal property, plus it's best to keep a paper trail

so many projects, who knew

on the line, at least there was a chance for treatment and

be cornered, I might as well be facing a death sentence

me a meaningful look,