When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

I had the most bizarre dream last night. It was as if Clyde had come back to life, only to chastise me for dozing off on the couch.

But when I woke up, he hadn't moved an inch from his position the day before.

Eliana and Warren dropped by to check on him and offered me some comforting words.

Yet, deep down, I knew no amount of consolation could help. It was up to Clyde to wake up.

After ensuring the caregiver was all set, I finally headed to the office.NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

The sight of me had everyone in the Design Department breathing a sigh of relief.

"Ms. Crawford, if you hadn't shown up, I would've keeled over from stress."

Jade looked like she had lost ten pounds, dark circles heavy under her eyes.

I was aware of the burden she shouldered with me gone, managing the Design Department on her own was no easy feat.

"Tonight, dinner's on me. A big thank you to all of you."

"Three cheers for Ms. Crawford! Best boss ever!"

"I'm going for the most expensive buffet! And I'm clocking out on time today!"

The team erupted in cheers, but Jade pulled me aside and asked, "I can't get away right now, how's Clyde?"

I licked my lips, at a loss for words.

"No wonder, York's been strutting around like he owns the Patterson Group."

"If it weren't for Vinson, I'd be at my wit's end."

I had anticipated York causing trouble, but not to this extent.

Not only had he altered a few design plans, but he also forcefully replaced the suppliers Vinson had secured.

Before I could review all the documents, the regulatory department showed up, informing us that the project required significant modifications.

"Sorry, there's a major discrepancy between the construction and the design. The regulatory bodies have warned you multiple times. Now, we gotta redo the project and send in new designs. We've gotta stop the construction for now."

The official was stern, leaving me speechless.

Such a significant project, and someone dared to tamper with the design?

After politely seeing the official out, York emerged from his office.

"Melanie, you come back to this mess, and you..."

"Keep talking if you want to make this worse! I just got back, who dared to alter my design plans?"

I whirled around, raising my voice.

I've always maintained a stoic demeanor at work, never engaging in confrontations.

Even when Kayla tried to provoke me, I never let it escalate in front of the team.

But this was different. York was jeopardizing the entire company!

If the project failed, Clyde and I

would d be

held accountable, allowi

York to wash his hands of

the

matter.

York seemed taken aback by my outburst but quickly retorted, "I } the team revise the designs

costs." ot

"Do you have any idea how much we could save on a project with a few tweaks? Millions."

His words infuriated me, and even the Design Department colleagues glared at him in anger.

I stepped up to him, fuming.

"So, saving millions justifies risking lives?"

"Why don't you just stack some plywood for a shelter? That'd save billions!"

"Designers tread carefully, and you recklessly cut corners. Who gave you such audacity?"

"Outsourcing the redesign of a

crucial

believe for a second that

do you roject to an external team won't land you in hot water &

As tensions rose, Fenton, clutching a stack of files, hurriedly intervened.

"Guys, we can talk this out. Everyone's watching. Come on, to my office, both of you. Let's go!"