When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

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I couldn't tell if Rachel was gunning for Mrs. Patterson's spot or the role of the design director.

This time, my colleagues rose to my defense without any prompt from me.

"Look, Mr. Patterson, all three department projects are currently under Ms. Crawford's wing. We can't just switch gears like this."

"Exactly," another chimed in. "We've just sealed the deal with Hightide Enterprises. There's no way they'd agree to a sudden change."

"And Rachel stepping in across departments? That doesn't sit right. We're about to wrap things up here."

"Is she trying to pull a fast one? Undermine the project at the eleventh hour?"

Wrapping up the project meant it was almost time for bonuses to be distributed.

Switching me out now meant not only would my bonus vanish into thin air, but Rachel's name would likely be the one emblazoned on the final project design.

Rachel knew this, and of course, so did Clyde.

Clyde furrowed his brow, clearly in a bind, but Rachel's gentle tug at his sleeve seemed to make up his mind for him.

"Given Melanie's health issues, she'll take a step back for now. The Design Department will be Rachel's to oversee." "Melanie, hand over all the project materials to Rachel. No need to hold anything back."

My clenched fist relaxed as I let out a simple, "Fine."

Deep down, I had seen this coming.

Without Clyde's backing, Rachel wouldn't dare to be so bold.

Even if his affection for me had once made him considerate, he wouldn't have been this impulsive.

My position as design director wasn't just because I was his wife; it was a testament to my capabilities. Whether he was truly mad or feigning ignorance, I had no intention of squabbling with him anymore. Jade gave me a nudge, but I just shook my head.

"Let's follow the leadership's decision. I'll start the handover process now."

My health was indeed failing, and if Rachel was eager to take over, I was willing to step aside.

A smug look finally broke through Rachel's indifferent facade.

Standing triumphantly by my side, she even had the audacity to sound apologetic.

"Sorry, it's for the best interest of the

company. We can't let one person's

situation derail the project. And besides, there were flaws in your design..."

"Then feel free to amend or overhaul it as you see fit," I responded emotionlessly. "I've emailed you all the documents."

"Just use the hard copies and the files on your computer." Rachel's frown betrayed her panic.

I shook my head. "Sorry, my laptop is personal property, plus it's best to keep a paper trail for accountability."

With my hands tied in so many projects, who knew what havoc she might wreak?

Even with my health on the line, at least there was a chance for treatment and life extension.

But if I were to be cornered, I might as well be facing a death sentence in prison.

Rachel shot me a meaningful look, then smiled.

"Alright then, Ms. Crawford, please desk. After all, you've just

da rest

Uriage. It's best y

the hospital." Content of

I nodded solemnly, then gestured towards the documents on my desk.

"I was the lead on this project, so I didn't charge the company extra for my patented designs. Now that I'm no longe in charge and without my bonus, I'd appreciate it if you could handle the transfer formalities.

Without my consent, you can't

continue using my designs."

Rachel froze for a moment, then hastily grabbed the documents, her eyes burning with resentment upon seeing all patents in my name. "Just you wait!"

I knew she'd run straight to Clyde.

If all the designs were mine, how could she possibly claim her place in history?

Sure enough, within minutes, Clyde reappeared in the Design Department.

"What's the big idea now? You're an employee here, and my wife, for heaven's sake. What's the harm in using your designs?"