Cage
Cage 54

Chapter 54

I dashed out of the taxi and made a beeline for the cafe. By the time I arrived, Jade’s eyes were red from crying, and she stuttered through her explanation.

After winning the bid today, a colleague secretly informed Jade that the boss had got her replaced.

The boss planned to wait until everything was smooth sailing before letting his brother–in–law take over, depriving Jade of her deserved bonus.

“We’re talking about a bonus of $700,000, seven hundred thousand! Asshole! He sweet–talked me into joining the company, only to set me up like this!” Her sobs grew heavier, her voice even more hoarse.

I gently patted her back, asking, “Did they get the confidential designs, too?”

The Design Department’s documents were top secret. Even though Jade trusted me deeply, she had personally double–checked many classified materials just the day before.

Without being a core designer, it was impossible to access these materials.

Jade angrily slammed her fist on the table. “Someone tampered with my computer and copied most of the designs, but I kept the core parts to myself.”

I nodded, understanding that we could work something out if they didn’t have everything.

The phone rang, and Jade visibly bristled when she saw the caller ID, but she answered on speaker.

“Hey, Jade, I heard you weren’t feeling well and took the day off. Take a few more sick days. I know it’s hard for you to talk right now. Don’t worry about the project. My brother–in–law’s just returned from abroad and dabbles in design. He’ll cover for you for a bit. Make sure to rest up. Don’t sacrifice your health for work.”

Seeing the caller ID as “BOSS,” I knew it was the scoundrel Jade had mentioned.

Jade hummed in acknowledgment with a nasal tone, then hung up.

We exchanged a look, both understanding the boss‘ insinuation. The project had won the bidding, and with the design phase complete, it only needed supervision. Her position usurped by the boss‘ brother–in–law meant Jade would return to virtually no role.

Jade hit the table again. “I won’t hand over the design.”

I nodded quietly, agreeing she didn’t need to take responsibility for this project since she got replaced.

But it wasn’t something we could easily shrug off. We needed a plan to ensure Jade wouldn’t take the blame later on. With the boss directive, it was clear he didn’t expect Jade back at the office.

05:54

Chapter 54

We both were on leave, so we eventually decided to head home. We had planned to indulge in a hearty meal to vent our frustrations, but then Clyde called.

His voice came through, “It’s the birthday of Uncle Laird’s grandson. The family’s gathering for dinner.”

Thinking of that lively little rascal made me instinctively want to decline. But Clyde

seemed to anticipate my response, quickly adding, “I’ve picked up the gifts, and Granddad wants us all together.”

Bringing up Merritt meant I had no choice but to go. I glanced apologetically at Jade, who nudged me.

Jade comforted me. “Go. I could use a nap anyway. Don’t worry.”

After ensuring she would stay put, I left, only to replace Clyde waiting downstairs. “Didn’t want you to bail, so I came to get you.”

He drove himself this time without a chauffeur. I didn’t play hard to get but took the passenger seat.

He seemed pleased with my action, and his tone softened, though tinged with complaint. “How come you’re back all of a sudden? Weren’t you heading to the office?”

I answered, “Jade’s got cornered at work. I had to be there for her.”

Clyde snorted, “You’ve always been good to her, sticking together like sisters since school.”

I sighed inwardly, remembering how he’d made similar remarks during our school days. My circle of friends wasn’t large, and it only dwindled after we started dating. Without Jade, I doubt I could have endured chemotherapy.

But I didn’t want to dwell on this with him, quickly changing the subject. “What’s your take on Design Department III?”

I genuinely saw no need for it. Design Departments I and II under my management were industry elites. Adding a third department seemed pointless, especially given their apparent lack of skill.

“Had a chat with York. He thinks we should also take on smaller projects for expansion’s sake. It made sense to me. You don’t think much of these rookies, so I didn’t burden you with them.”

“York’s idea?” I eyed him suspiciously, and he nodded.

York Patterson was Clyde’s elder cousin, Laird’s son, and father to the birthday boy.

Clyde’s family relations were complex, but he got along reasonably well with this cousin. Yet, I’d always found York scheming, never quite liking him.

05:54

Chapter 54

A flicker of insight crossed my mind but slipped away before I could grasp it. Considering Kayla might be involved in Jade’s predicament, I asked, “What did Kayla study?”

I vaguely remembered someone mentioning her field didn’t align with ours.

Clyde thought about it. “History? Tourism? I can’t quite recall. Why do you ask?”

A car ahead braked suddenly, forcing Clyde to stop abruptly, cursing under his breath, my question seemingly forgotten. I gazed out the window, feeling something amiss.

When we got to Patterson Mansion, the pieces of the puzzle started to slowly come together.