Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon) novel Chapter 23

Chapter 23 

Janice frowned and, disregarding the boundaries of hierarchy, gently nudged Edward’s arm. 

This wasn’t the place to argue with someone like Simon–a man who thrived on pettiness and spite. And she was right. Engaging with Simon would only make her seem undignified. 

However, Edward had no need to lift a finger when he had Harrison, who had already read Edward’s expression, took a step back and fixed his gaze on Simon. 

In a deliberate, measured tone, he said, “Mr. Fitzgerald, is this how you were raised? To gossip like some street–corner busybody, slinging insults?” 

Simon’s face turned a livid shade of red. Reputation meant everything to him, and Harrison’s voice wasn’t exactly quiet. Those nearby quickly pieced together what had likely happened–Simon had insulted Janice, but no one sympathized with Simon. 

Everyone in the industry had heard about the flasco, which was their wedding. Even a blind person could see how much Janice had suffered. The public spat they had on the street had also been caught on camera. 

Only a fool would stay loyal to such a boss. 

That said, none of the bystanders dared to get involved. Since Refined Threads Co. was still a rising star, it was safer to stay neutral and simply watch. 

Edward gave Harrison a glance before walking toward Prosper Stitch Group’s designated seating area, with Janice following closely behind. 

Before she could get far, though, Harrison adjusted his glasses and added another comment for good measure, “Mr. Fitzgerald, you might want to spend less time mingling with seamstresses. It seems you’ve picked up some unsavory habits.” 

He then offered a polite smile. “Best of luck to Refined Threads in the Fall Tournament. We’ll be going ahead now.” 

A classic example of delivering a slap before offering a sugar–coated olive branch. 

Simon’s fists clenched in his pockets, his rage barely contained. How dare a secretary speak to him that way? 

In Simon’s mind, Janice must have been badmouthing him behind the scenes. Why else would Prosper Stitch Group’s people openly antagonize him? He wasn’t angry at Harrison but blamed everything on Janice. 

Seething, Simon sat down, vowing to accelerate Refined Threads‘ progress and surpass Prosper Stitch Group as quickly as possible. 

At Prosper Stitch Group’s seating area, Edward asked, his tone calm and measured, “Do you know all the participants?” 

Janice nodded. She was the type to know her enemies and herself, leaving nothing to chance. She had studied every competitor’s work extensively, analyzing and comparing them to identify areas of improvement for herself. 

Prosper Stitch Group had never had a double–sided crochet piece make it to the international competition. For the company, for Refined Threads, and for Janice, the Fall Tournament and the Winter Finals were crucial milestones. 

“How confident are you?” Edward asked. 

As the host began the opening speech, Janice’s fair, elegant face showed no trace of tension–only a serene composure. 

Sitting behind her were the supervisors and directors of Prosper Stitch Group’s crochet department, a group of over ten people. They beard her response loud and clear: 

“Not worth worrying about.” Unless a company had secretly purchased a famous seamstress’s private work for the competition, Janice wasn’t concerned 

Even then, she didn’t take it to heart. Her true skills had never been fully displayed. In International competitions, drawing too much attention could lead to trouble, so she intentionally left minor imperfections in her work to avoid being targeted. 

The reactions from those around her were mixed–surprised, disbelief, even disdain. 

Sophie, for example, found Janice’s confidence laughable. She had seen Janice’s work and thought it was better than average but not nearly good enough to dominate a competition. 

These young people just didn’t know their limits. But those who were familiar with Janice’s true capabilities–Edward, Matilda, and Harrison were quietly brimming with anticipation for the tournament to begin. 

On stage, it was Refined Threads‘ turn to present their entry. Three other companies had already submitted their work.