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 exnation.


    After winning the bid today, a colleague secretly informed Jade that the boss had got her reced.Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    The boss nned to wait until everything was smooth sailing before letting his brother-inw 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 thepany, 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 ssified materials just the day before.


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


    Jade angrily mmed her fist on the table. "Someone tampered with myputer 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-inw''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 phaseplete, it only needed supervision. Her position usurped by the boss'' brother-inw 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 reced.


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


    We both were on leave, so we eventually decided to head home. We had nned 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 nced apologetically at Jade, who nudged me.


    Jadeforted me. "Go. I could use a nap anyway. Don''t worry."


    After ensuring she would stay put, I left, only to find 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 y hard to get but took the passenger seat.


    He seemed pleased with my action, and his tone softened, though tinged withint. "Howe 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 simr remarks during our school days.


    My circle of friends wasn''trge, 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 apparentck 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 rtions wereplex, but he got along reasonably well with this cousin. Yet, I''d always found York scheming, never quite liking him.


    A flicker of insight crossed my mind


    but slipped away before I could


    grasp Considering Ka might be involved in Jade''s predicament, I asked, "What did Ka 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 slowlye together.