When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

I turned to look at Clyde, utterly baffled by his actions.

Meanwhile, Clyde grabbed the documents and stood up. "Ms. Melanie, please come to my office. The rest of you, please wait here for a moment."

Clyde didn't even glance my way before leaving the conference room. I shot Vinson an apologetic look before following Clyde out. Back in the office, I immediately closed the blinds. "Clyde, what are you thinking? Don't you know what Aspire World is all about?"

"I do. And I know all about Vinson, too! He's been chasing you since college, and you're married! Like a bad penny." Clyde spat out, tossing the documents onto the desk with a clench of his teeth. "I don't want to work with him. He's too annoying."

Seeing him so mad, I patiently went over the pros and cons once again.

But Clyde remained silent, just staring at the documents in his hand. He knew what I was saying, and he was just being stubborn.

Finally, I gave up. "Fine, the Patterson Group is yours, not mine. My opinion doesn't matter."

I'd said all I could, good and bad. If Clyde wasn't buying it, there was nothing more I could do. Thinking about my health condition and how I couldn't afford to get angry, I didn't want to look at Clyde anymore. Maybe I could live a few years longer if I didn't see him.

Just as I turned to leave, I saw a flash of red at the door. Was Lisa eavesdropping?

Suddenly, an idea struck me, and I quickly turned back to face Clyde. "Clyde, you're not planning to collaborate with the Crawford family for Lisa, are you? You're really disgusting."

"What are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?" Clyde slammed his hand on the desk, glaring at me fiercely.

I pointed toward the door, signaling Lisa was also at the doorway.

"Drop the act. You think I can't see how you two look at each other?" I raised my voice deliberately and moved closer to Clyde.

I winked at him, whispering in a voice only the two of us could hear, "Why don't you test her?"

Since we were going to investigate

Talbot and his family needed to be involved. Lisa had presented herself on a silver platter, and I wouldn't let the opportunity slip.

Clyde looked at me incredulously before grabbing my hand, his voice low, "Are you crazy? You want me to flirt?"

I nodded silently. Clyde's good looks could charm anyone, woman or man alike. Over the years, he'd also had his fair share of male admirers. Clyde's grip tightened slightly, and then the office door swung open.

"Clyde, please don't argue because of me. It would weigh heavily on my conscience." Lisa's voice sounded pitiful, making my skin crawl.

I jerked my hand away from Clyde's,

and his expression instantly

changed as he said coldly, "I'm the

CEO of the Patterson G

and I

decide who we partner with!"

"And I'm the Head of the Design Department at the Patterson Group. The overpass project was my design, and I hold the patent!" I had put in a lot of effort to secure that patent, and at that moment, my value was apparent.

Even Clyde was momentarily speechless, but I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes and quickly signaled him.

He then straightened up. "You, get out. I need to speak with Ms. Lisa alone!"

I rolled my eyes at Lisa before leaving the office. Before closing the door, I saw Clyde, with an awkward smile, starting to speak in officialese.

"Ms. Lisa, I apologize for the distress earlier."ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

I made a face at him and quickly shut the door.

He was playing his part.