When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie) novel Chapter 58

When Clyde dropped the bomb, Jade and I were stunned into silence. Landing a gig at Patterson Group's Design Department wasn't something one could waltz into. Jade had vented to me before about how she'd bombed the interview not once but twice.

But then, for the sake of Kayla, Clyde wasn't stepping back. He was pushing Jade to take charge of Design Department III. Design Department III wasn't top-notch, but parachuting someone into a department head position was unprecedented, especially since a department head at Patterson Group wasn't just any run-of-the-mill designer elsewhere!

Jade was excited, yet she looked at me, seeking my take. I got it. She got tempted.

Cool as a cucumber, Vinson eyed Clyde. "Mr. Patterson, you’re quite the generous benefactor for your mistress, huh? Dropping principles just like that?"

Clyde cleared his throat, trying to look all high and mighty.

"Jade's designs have been recognized by Patterson Group. She's the best fit to oversee the projects in Design Department III. I'm considering the company's best interests here and her future." Clyde stressed the word "future" with such gravity, his gaze fixed on me. He knew what mattered to me most.

Jade was one of my few true friends. There was no way I'd leave her hanging. He was sure I'd bend this opportunity for Jade's sake. And after all, it was Jade's career on the line. Clyde had played his cards right. I bit my lip, torn.

Sensing my hesitation, Clyde seemed to relax. "I'm a man of my word. Join our company, and your best friend becomes your boss. No one will shortchange you. If Jade's unused designs got picked up, that speaks volumes of her talent. Design Department III has been lacking proper leadership. Jade, think it over."

His eyes were earnest, looking like he believed in Jade's prowess.

I looked down, unsure of what to say. For any designer, Patterson Group was a golden opportunity. After years of hard knocks and getting the short end of the stick at her last job, Jade was understandably bitter.

Starting over would be difficult, especially with her history quickly spreading through the grapevine. But landing a role at Patterson Group could turn her fortunes around, a slap in the face to those who doubted her. But when thinking of letting Kayla off the hook, my fists clenched at the thought. Kayla dared to mess with my friend, crossing a line for me.

Suddenly, Jade's hand covered mine, intertwining our fingers, and shook me gently.

She glanced toward the door, and I got her.

"Clyde, we need to mull this over. We'll get back to you," I said, pulling Jade with me as we left the police station, with Vinson trailing behind.