When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

York, of course, didn't have a clue about design, and since I was the only director of the Design Department, with the whole department united behind me, there was no way he could wedge himself in. In the end, he had no choice but to slink away, defeated.

I wasn't sure if he'd run to Merritt to complain, but I knew I wasn't going to back down.

If I did, with those two key departments under his control, Clyde's position would be hanging by a thread.

Just before clocking out, I got a call from Eliana, as fiery and proactive as ever, getting everything arranged for me.

"Melanie, your lucky break is here!"

She buzzed with excitement over the phone for a good ten minutes before finally revealing that her cousin, the one working on cancer research, had come back from abroad.

"I just found out he returned yesterday, and I've snagged him for dinner tonight. We're all meeting up!"

Before I could even agree, she sent me the address.

Thinking this might just be the opportunity I needed, I agreed to meet them.

When I mentioned meeting Eliana to Clyde, he wasn't too pleased.

"Why did you have to invite her? I thought you two didn't get along?"

"Who told you that? We've been close since college," I retorted, not a hint of guilt in my voice, leaving Clyde speechless.

Eventually, I explained that Eliana was also an important client we couldn't afford to neglect, and he reluctantly agreed.

Now that Clyde and I had to maintain this loving couple façade, commuting together every day, I was honestly feeling a bit suffocated.

Finally having some personal space was a huge relief.

Arriving at the restaurant, I spotted a man in a striped shirt and glasses sitting next to Eliana. No matter what she said, his expression remained stoic, much to Eliana's frustration.

"Warren Chandler, you're on my turf now. Can you manage a smile?"

"I don't trade in smiles."This material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

As I approached, the man with the stoic face dropped this line, nearly making me trip over my own feet.

Eliana greeted me warmly, "Melanie, why didn't you wait for us to finish before showing up?"

"At the Patterson Group, do you even need to clock in? Who'd dare say anything if you just took off?"

I rolled my eyes at her before turning to the man beside her.

"So, this is the doctor you mentioned?"

"Warren, my cousin, works at Aurorea on cancer drug research. The man who holds your fate in his hands has appeared!" Eliana's smile was radiant, while I felt a bit awkward.

Warren, on the other hand, didn't seem to react, simply starting to eat.

"Let's eat, my cousin's brain needs its nutrients, or it'll crash soon."

Warren didn't seem offended, actually nodding in agreement.

Their interaction was quite interesting, lightening my mood considerably.

However, dinner was interrupted when Eliana had to rush off to a friend's emergency, leaving me alone with Warren.

He remained unfazed, which helped me relax a bit more.

He inquired about my condition, my family history, and the possibility of a second surgery.

We were having a decent conversation when suddenly, a drunken man grabbed my arm.

"Well, if it isn't the bald beauty of the Patterson Group? I've seen your videos."

The man was drunk obviously.

His friends tried to pull him away, apologizing to me, but he persisted, grabbing onto me.

"Bald beauty, why bother with a wig? Come on, let me see the real you."

Just as he was about to pull at my hair, Warren grabbed his hand.

Without a him in

herd, Warren punched

let

gut. It didn't seem like

or punch, but the man

in pain, unable to

I stared at Warren, amazed, as his friends

dragged the drunket

e others in the rest

actually applauded.

Warren calmly wiped his hands, "He has liver issues. That pain is no joke. Better get him to a hospital."

"Value your life. Don't bother women."

After the incident, my nerves were frayed, but Warren offered to review my medical case and discuss

ele

treatment options, which eased my worry.

His stoic demeanor had me bracing for a rejection at any moment.

Yet, before I even got home, my phone rang. Merritt instructed me to return to the Patterson family home immediately.

Eliana also sent me a message.

Apparently, the video of Warren dealing with the drunk had gone viral, and I was caught in the crossfire.

Aware that another scandal wouldn't do me any favors, I tried to keep a low profile at the Patterson Mansion.

However, upon arrival, Kayla and Merritt immediately started on me.

"Melanie, you represent the Patterson family. You should know better than to behave like this."

"Mel, why are you out with strange men again? Isn't this a slap in Clyde's face?"

Their tag-team nagging suddenly made me snap, despite Clyde's desperate eye signals.

"If you want me to keep playing Mrs. Patterson, stay out of my personal life."