Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Louis' expression darkened as he listened to the dial tone after the call ended.

In the past, the International Crochet Union had always been willing to play ball. They could easily rig the results to favor whoever Onley Group wanted to win.

But over the last three or four years, the union had been rejecting the idea. They claimed the skill gap between the seamstresses was too obvious to justify any manipulation or favoritism.

It all started with a woman named Shirley from Cruznia, who had won multiple awards in a row. Her success had been a huge blow to Onley Group.

They thought that after intimidating her, she would stay away from the competition. And sure enough, Shirley didn't participate this year.

However, the International Crochet Union was still refusing to accept Onley Group's bribes. What was going on?

"Mr. Jovarek, take a look at this year's entries." Selwyn Lowell, his secretary, handed over photos of the submitted designs. "The difference in quality is glaring. Even if the union wanted to rig the results in our favor, the audience isn't blind."

Louis took one look and felt his heart sink. "Who's the designer for this entry?" "A Cruznian woman named Janice Smith," Selwyn replied.

Louis slammed his hand on the table. "Another Cruznian woman! How many talented seamstresses does that country have? We've recruited so many, yet none are the best."

"She isn't your average seamstress," Selwyn explained. "I looked into the crochet industry in Cruznia as you requested. Right now, there are two dominant players —an old brand called Melody & Loops Creations and another called Prosper Stitch Group."

"I've heard of Prosper Stitch Group," Louis said. "They have branches abroad, right?"

"Yes. Janice is representing that company and was poached to be the head of their Product Division. She's an incredibly capable woman."

Louis thought for a moment. "I'll be attending the finals in person the day after tomorrow."

If Onley Group was going to expand into Cruznia, they needed to recruit all the top talent.

...

After nearly two days of rest, Janice could finally walk faster, and her wounds didn't hurt as much.

Edward had been helping her change her bandages, but she managed to do it herself today.

He had changed into a new suit. Standing there with his head lowered and focusing on his phone, he made Janice momentarily lose focus.

"Edward, you're so..."

"Hmm?"

"Handsome," she said with an appreciative smile.

Edward put his phone away and walked over. He pulled her into a light embrace.noveldrama

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever met."

Janice laughed softly and took a breath. "Don't make me laugh."

"I'm just telling the truth," he said.

He took her hand and led her out of the hotel. Their car headed straight to the competition venue.

...

The final round followed the usual format. This time, however, the designers' names, countries, and representing companies would be made public.

At that moment, the venue was packed.

When Edward and anice arrived, all eyes turned to them. Last time, they arrived early and sat at the corner to avoid drawing attention. But this time was different.

Louis, for one, noticed Janice immediately.

Selwyn leaned in. "Mr. Jovarek, that's Janice Smith."

So, she was that highly capable woman?

Louis now had something to add to her description-she was stunning.

At first glance, she seemed

intimidating. That was the

impression Janice always left, people, and it served as her armor in the business world.

Meanwhile, representatives from all the international companies in the competition had learned that the dark horse entry belonged to the elegant woman who had just walked

in

en

IMS

In the crochet industry, mastery usually came with age, and most top designers

were over 40, so someone as young as Janice was a rare exception.

Many attendees began to entertain certain ideas, but those thoughts quickly vanished when they noticed the man by her side.

Inside the competition hall, whispers filled the air.

"A few years ago, there was Shirley. Now, there's another Cruznian woman," one foreign attendee remarked with a sigh.

"With skills like that, unless Shirley herself shows up, no one's taking first place from her."

"What a shame."

The venue had designated seating for different companies while the audience sat in the back rows.

Among them, a woman in a baseball cap sat silently. It was Heidi, with her injured hand hidden beneath her sleeve.

Her feelings were conflicted. Part of her didn't want Janice to win, but another part couldn't help but hope she would.

Simon, who was standing nearby, wore a mask and looked at Janice, who was seated next to Edward.

That fraud! How was she still living so comfortably?