When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

I nudged Clyde's hand gently, and he immediately grasped my implication.

"Grandpa, we're both competent, and besides, the company has other managers as well," he reassured.

"Yet, no amount of managers can replace family. Your brother is still a Patterson by blood," he stated, making his intentions crystal clear - York had to be involved.

I looked up, meeting York's smug gaze head-on.

"Don't worry, I'll dedicate myself to this. After all, I've managed the company for a considerable period before," he boasted. "Besides, I'm now a shareholder in the Patterson Group. It's only right that I help manage it."

The moment York mentioned his shares, Clyde and I tensed up. Technically, the Patterson Group was still under Merritt's control, with him holding the majority of the shares.

Now that York also had shares, wasn't this setting him up to compete with Clyde?

Merritt coughed lightly, "York has indeed been a great help to you both. This is his reward."

"But don't worry, I've already made arrangements with the lawyer for Melanie to have 10% of the shares once she gives birth, starting with 3% now despite the troubles this time."

"How can that be?" Lucia chimed in, instantly regretting her words before swiftly changing her tune. "Merritt, since it's about giving birth, why not wait another three years? It would look better to include the child's share as well."

I knew her game. She probably thought Clyde and I wouldn't last three years, leaving me with nothing.

It was always like this with Merritt. At our wedding, he said I was a shareholder, claiming the shares were being "managed" for me.

Then it was about having a child first to get the shares.

And now, this. I leaned back on the sofa, expressionless, facing him.

"Since York has received his shares, shouldn't Clyde's share percentage also increase? I don't need any shares, but as the CEO, it doesn't look good for Clyde to be gossiped about, does it?"

Clyde squeezed my hand, signaling me to hold my tongue.

Speaking out now was tantamount to making enemies, but I wasn't afraid.

Clyde had worked hard for his position in the company for years. Why should York reap the benefits without effort?

Merritt pondered for a moment, "Alright, I'll give you 3%, and another 2%, making it 18% for you two as a couple."

"Merritt, that's not acceptable. Clyde

already has so many shares, how could. Lucia seemed to want to argue further but was cut off by

York.

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"Merritt's shares are his to distribute as he pleases," York interjected smoothly. "After all, Clyde is his grandson. I understand that my 2% is already more than generous."

is already more than ute

His smile was warm, betraying no hint of dissatisfaction.

However, his look towards me carried an unmistakable undertone.

What good could come from a man who wouldn't even spare his own child?

As Clyde and I left the Patterson Mansion, neither of us spoke a word.Property © NôvelDrama.Org.

This was going to be a tough battle, with York undoubtedly causing trouble in the company moving forward.

Reaching the parking lot, we remained in the car.

Clyde rolled down the window as he asked, "What's on your mind?"

"We'll face whatever comes our way. He's definitely going to meddle with the overpass project."

York's intentions were clear; he needed to prove his worth now that he was competing with Clyde for the inheritance.

The overpass project involved significant external relations, something he wouldn't overlook.

Sure enough, the next day York showed up at the office, making a beeline for the Design Department.