When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

"Fine, if the Patterson Group doesn't value our time, I'll be on my way then. Ms. Crawford, remember to send over the compensation or see you in court!"

Hanley was fuming, and Kayla added fuel to the fire. "Mr. Hanley, this isn't my fault. It's all Melanie's doing..."

I quickly stood up to apologize, "Mr. Hanley, you've got it all wrong. The Patterson Group values this partnership greatly. Ms. Osborne is Mr. Patterson's executive assistant and might be unfamiliar with the project, but I can take over from here."

I added, "You've seen my proposal. We're genuinely committed."

Hanley waved dismissively., "No need. We're out of our league with the Patterson Group. Let's call it quits."

No matter how much I tried to keep him, Hanley and his team left.

Before leaving, Hanley gave me a long, hard look. "Mrs. Patterson, I understand you're in a tough spot, but that's no excuse to neglect our partnership. This project got delayed far too long. The Patterson Group needs to give us an answer. Patterson embarrassed us like this. I can't just go and explain it away. You figure it out."

Then, I realized Radiant Systems had been displeased with Clyde's attitude from the start. And Kayla's actions only confirmed Clyde's disregard for them. Letting an intern lead a critical meeting and making mistakes was undoubtedly the Patterson Group's fault.

They wanted more than just the project. They demanded respect, a gesture from the Patterson Group. It would be bad for both if things turned sour between Radiant Systems and the Patterson Group.

Back in the office of the Design Department, the mood was somber, and everyone deflated.

I wanted to offer some words of encouragement, but Clyde walked in with Kayla in tow. "Melanie, you've messed up such a crucial partnership. Looks like you don't really want your job, huh? Aren't you the lead? What were you doing during the meeting?" Clyde started berating me the moment he entered.

The rest of the office was dead silent.

Kayla was sobbing quietly behind him. "Melanie, if you didn't want me to lead the meeting, you should've said so earlier. Why set me up?"

"Set you up? It was your idea to lead." I was speechless at her audacity. She must think she was the heroine of a novel, expecting to triumph without effort. But she was sure it was all my fault.

"If you hadn't given me those professional drafts, how could I have made mistakes? Why couldn't you simplify it so anyone could understand before handing it over? You knew I wasn't from this field, yet you deliberately made it hard for me. Didn't you think about the company's interests?" Her blatant reversal of blame was astonishing. I'd heard of thick-skinned people, but shameless was on another level.

And whispers of discontent started bubbling in the office.

"Knowing she's not up to the job but still taking charge? That's nuts."

"Who's setting up whom? The Design Department has been overworking for so long, and now, it's all for nothing."

"We haven't even cried yet. What's Kayla crying for?"

The Design Department was united in their frustration, and Kayla shrank back beside Clyde.

Clyde didn't care what others said, his eyes burning with anger at me "Melanie, you're in charge of this project. If something screws up, it's on you. Find a solution, or you'll regret it."

Clyde left with Kayla, and Lina looked at me worryingly. "Melanie, Mr. Patterson is being unreasonable. It's not your fault."

Did it even matter whose fault it

was? He said it was my fault, so it was. But wasn't about to take the fall for his mistress. I gathered al the materials and new design ideas and headed straight to Clyde's office.

Kayla wasn't there. I walked right in.

"Don't you knock?" Clyde frowned at me as I dumped the documents on his desk.

I snapped, "These aren't my mistakes, but I'm not dealing with it. All the files are here."

He glanced up, a cold snort escaping him. "Melanie, you're the lead. What, should Kayla be responsible for it?"

I smirked, picking up on the bias. "So, you know it's Kayla who messed up, but you want me to take the hit?"

"And why it were the most obvious thing in the world. I said before, Kayla is mine to protect. So, you'll shoulder this, Melanie. If you can't handle it, forget about your bonus."

not?" he looked at me as if

I almost lashed out but swallowed the harsh words back.

I'd have to force him if he wouldn't be reasonable. "The Patterson Group prides itself on fairness and integrity. If you make me take the fall now, it should disappoint everyone."

He raised an eyebrow, signaling me to continue.

I flashed him the brightest smile. "As the lead, of course, I'll take responsibility. But if it's not my fault and I still have to take the hit, my bonus has to go up a notch."

"Melanie!" His anger was evident, but my smile grew wider.

I snorted, "Everyone needs to see Mr. Patterson reward and punish justly, not shielding anyone without principle, including your wife, me."