When Love Becomes a Cage (Melanie)

The police had just left when Gemma briefly filled me in on the office chaos before dashing back, not even waiting for my word of thanks. As for me, I was far from okay. The doctor suggested I stay for more observation, but staying was out of the question for me.

Staggering, I made my way to Clyde's room, shocked to find him still unconscious after all this time.

The nurse looked at me with pity. "Mrs. Patterson, true love shines brightest in dark times. He'll surely remember your kindness once he wakes."

I forced a small smile, wishing he wouldn't remember at all. Remembering might just make him refuse the divorce again, complicating matters even further.

Beneath the calm surface, the Patterson family was anything but peaceful.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

With no children from Clyde, Merritt would never let me continue as Mrs. Patterson.

Honestly, Kayla shouldn't have sided with an outsider. She could've easily taken my place as the esteemed Mrs. Patterson.

I didn't need Merritt digging into everything; I could make a pretty good guess on my own.

York had his eyes on the Patterson empire, but Merritt and Clyde kept him at bay, leaving him and the Lairds without a chance.

So, he roped in Kayla, who resembled me from my younger days. He knew about the strain between Clyde and me and used it to taunt me.

If we divorced and I took some of the shares, he could slowly devour the Patterson empire.

But he hadn't expected us to stay married and even secure several major deals.

That's why he stooped low and used dirty tricks, roping Kayla and others into his sneaky plan.

Looking at Clyde's peaceful face on the hospital bed, I felt a surge of weakness.

From our dating days to now, it seemed like Clyde was always the one pulling us through everything except for that time we went abroad.

I gently held his hand, saying, "Clyde, it's my turn to be strong. Please wake up soon; I can't hold on for too long."

Perhaps it was the sudden release of my pent-up tension, but I ended up falling asleep right beside his bed.

Feeling someone stroking my head, I swatted the hand away irritably, only to see a slightly embarrassed Clyde. "Uh, your skin looks really nice." I rolled my eyes at him, checking the time and realizing I was late for work. His timing couldn't have been better.

While the doctor conducted his checks, I questioned Clyde. "Did you give York full control over the Patterson Group? He's acting like he owns the place."

Clyde pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "I don't remember doing so, but there might have been a moment when I was conscious. I can't recall signing anything."

I hadn't been with Clyde throughout his entire coma, so jumping to conclusions was out of the question.

York's actions were suspicious, though, and I decided to investigate the company myself.

Clyde wanted to come along, but I informed him that Merritt was on his way and quickly called Merritt.

"Merritt, he's awake. I'm thinking of bringing him to Patterson Mansion for now. Could you send some more security our way?"

"Yes, we'll say he's too weak to return to the office and that I'll take charge in the meantime."

With Merritt's approval, I felt a little more at ease.

With Clyde around, the company's moles wouldn't dare make a move, but I knew they'd become restless without him.

If we didn't root out the corruption, the company would only deteriorate further.

Donning a wig, I returned to the office to find it in utter chaos.

People were arguing everywhere. I approached, curious at the sudden silence that fell upon my arrival.

"Ms. Crawford, I've been with this company from the start. I'm a manager; you can't just fire me!"

"I'm handling multiple projects. How can you just kick me out?"

"Mrs. Patterson, you're Mr. Patterson's wife. You must stand up for us, the long-serving employees!"

Most of those complaining were the backbone of the Patterson Group, having battled alongside Clyde and Merritt for years.

Turning around, I saw York and Laird among the crowd.

Their surprise was palpable, but York quickly approached. "Sister-in-law, you're free of charges? That's wonderful."

"There's a lot to handle in the company. You should be with Clyde; I'll take care of things here."

His smile was seemingly genuine, but the underlying threat made me uncomfortable.

Laird, puffing out his chest, added, "Women should be at home, taking care of their husbands and children. Can Deven bear a child, yet you want to run a company?"

His words were harsh, drawing everyone's attention to me.

I simply smiled. "Whether I bear children or not, I remain Mrs. Patterson, Clyde's lawful wife."

"He's awake now and has stated he

av

gave no such authorization to you. So, whatever decisions you've made are void. I suggest you and your people kindly leave."

Hearing this, the disgruntled employees rallied to my side, glaring at the intruders.

"Flaunting your authority as if you

own the place? We've got the realet Youatterson right here; who are

Mrs.

o dictate terms?"

"Causing delays in our projects, can you afford the losses? Do you have the money to compensate?"

As the insults grew increasingly bitter, York's face reddened, and he hastily produced a document. "Clyde wrote this himself. How can you say it doesn't count?"