When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

At the meeting the following day, Clyde brought up the idea of entering into a full-fledged collaboration with Aspire World.

"York's suggested manufacturers aren't bad, but we've never worked with them before. Safety first," he said. "Mr. Russell is willing to give up ten percent of the profits. I think a partnership would be more beneficial for both parties."

Aspire World's reputation preceded them, and the offer to relinquish a tenth of their profits essentially meant a ten percent increase in earnings for the Patterson Group.

Seeing everyone nod in agreement, York slammed his pen down in frustration.

"Mr. Patterson, what's this about? I've done my homework here."

"Well, I have the right to choose differently, don't I?" Clyde responded, his curiosity piqued rather than showing any sign of annoyance.

"Or have you already made a deal on the side, just waiting for the Patterson Group to send the money?"

"York, you're only here temporarily. You don't actually think you run the Patterson Group, do you?"

York was left speechless, glaring at Vinson with resentment. If it weren't for Vinson stepping in with a matching offer, his plan might have succeeded. Suddenly, Lisa spoke up, "Doesn't seem right to me. If we're collaborating with three companies, and Mr. Russell has all these projects, what about the Crawford family?"

Her naivety was evident, daring to speak up at such a moment.

I just took a sip of my coffee, catching Clyde's glance before he turned his attention back to her with a smile.

"Ms. Crawford, regardless of who I partner with, it won't affect our dealings with the Crawford family. Our relationship is... unique."

Their overt flirtation made everyone look at me, but I just shrugged it off as if it were the norm.

Honestly, I was used to it. Clyde had been seen with numerous women before in my presence.

The room seemed to sympathize with my situation, some shaking their heads slightly.

Lisa shot him a shy, flirtatious look before turning to me.

"Melanie, this wasn't your idea, was it? You're not just trying to help an old friend by pushing Clyde towards Aspire World, are you?"

I knew she was being snide but couldn't be bothered to explain.

"So what if it was? Any issue with

that?" I cocked my head at her. "Aren't you also an 'old friend' L haven't seen in over two decades? Why else would I choose to collaborate with you?"

She clearly didn't know me well enough to speak out of turn.

Fortunately, most at the meeting supported the collaboration with Aspire World, so the matter was settled.

But Lisa wasn't ready to let it go.

"Mr. Russell, I heard you used to chase after my sister. Is that true?"

"Melanie must have been quite the heartbreaker in college, right? I bet the line of guys chasing her was out the door."Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

Vinson just smiled warmly, "Yeah, someone like me, who was way back in the line, hardly stands out."

His words were an indirect acknowledgment of my popularity in college, which only irritated Lisa further. Before she could continue, Vinson steered the conversation back to business.

"The offer is very competitive, but I want to inspect some of the materials on-site. Shall we?" "Absolutely!"

I didn't hesitate to agree, then noticed a chilly gaze from behind.

Turning around, I saw Clyde watching me intently.

She kept casting seductive glances at Clyde.

I pretended not to notice anything.

How could her plan to charm work if I was always around?