Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Threats had always been Simon's go-to tactic with Janice. But this time, he miscalculated.

While it might have worked like a charm in the past, it certainly wasn't guaranteed to work now-especially since Alex hadn't even managed to get through to Janice's phone.

Janice's first day on the job was packed to the brim. From selecting designs to reorganizing seamstresses and setting tasks for the next quarter, she barely had time to grab a bite. Her efficiency and last pace were a stark contrast to the previously lackadaisical crochet department.

The abrupt shift left some employees grumbling:

"Remember how easy it used to be? Clock in, clock out, enjoy lunch, do a little crochet, then head home. Now look at this mess!"

“Seriously, how are we supposed to finish analyzing all these patterns?"

It wasn't just about analysis-they were now expected to write weekly reports, too.

But Janice wasn't trying to make things difficult or prove herself as a new leader. Refined Threads had clear standards, and these tasks were well within a reasonable workload. With normal effort, there wouldn't even be a need for overtime.

The real issue? The seamstresses had grown used to the old ways: disorganized, no clear rules, and no direct oversight from either the CEO or the VP. Now that structure and accountability were being introduced, resistance was inevitable.

Janice was well aware of this mindset. So, before the day ended, she called an impromptu meeting with the four department supervisors.

"Not using the conference room?" Isabella asked, puzzled.

Sunny chuckled. “Ms. Smith said to meet in her office."

The four supervisors followed Sunny to Janice's office. Inside, Janice was busy framing a crochet piece, her head bent and focused. Without looking up, she said, "Let's keep this brief.""

The five of them stood in a neat row, waiting

Janice said while still working, “The Product Division has been too relaxed for too long. Adjusting to this new workflow will take time, but it's your job to guide the seamstresses. Apart from analyzing and summarizing designs, their only responsibility is crochet. Nothing else. And let me be clear-the reports are non-negotiable- no exception."

She finally looked up, her gaze sharp. All four supervisors nodded in unison.

"As long as the work quality meets the standard, I don't care how you spend your day. You could sleep for all I care❞

"Understood, Ms. Smith," they chorused,

Janice shifted her attention to Sunny, holding a screwdriver from her framing work. "If the tasks aren't completed, I'll hold you

accountable."

Sunny immediately straightened. "Understood!"

"Ms. Smith," Luna hesitated. “I have a family emergency. Could I leave a little early today?"

"Is your work done?"

"Yes, everything's been handled."

Without looking up, Janice replied, “Go ahead. In the future, If your work is complete and you have an emergency, just take care of it. There is no need to report to me."

Her flexibility visibly eased Luna's tension. The supervisor bowed deeply. "Thank you, Ms. Smith."

As the five left her office, their feelings toward their new boss subtly shifted.

Once Janice finished framing the plece, it was time for her to leave. Just as she was about to clock out, she received a call from Edward, the big boss himself.

"Mr. Moore?” she answered

His smooth voice on the line had an almost tangible quality to it. "Dinner."

Oh, right. They had arranged to have dinner tonight.

5

Chigen 54

Janice hurried to gather her things. “Of course. I'll head over now. Where's the address?"

"There's a car waiting downstairs."

Was Edward waiting for her in person?

Janice quickly clocked out and left the building. Sure enough, a car with its hazard lights on was parked by the entrance.

Through the window, Edward caught sight of her, prepared to put away his tablet-only to see Janice blocked by a large potted plant in her path.

Simon's sudden appearance made Janice frown deeply. She didn't want to exchange a single word with him and moved to walk past, but Simon grabbed her arm. His grip was strong, and the pain made her frown even

more.

"What are you doing?" she snapped.

“Are you doing this on purpose, Janice?” Simon's tone was biting. “Joining Prosper Stitch Group just to spite me?"

Janice wrenched her arm free with force. "Spite you? You think you're that important?"

"Then how else could you h

have gotten i

Into Prosper Stitch Group and become the Product Division CEO?" Simon sneered.

He had heard from his secretary, Alex, that Janice hadn't answered any of his calls. Simon figured she must have blocked Alex's number. Furious at her audacity, he came here personally to confront her.

Janice wasn't surprised that Simon had found out. After all, Prosper Stitch Group's website had just updated its management profiles that day, including her and Sunny Egan.

"You've really mastered the art of using your looks to their fullest, haven't you, Janice?" Simon's voice dripped with contempt. His eyes burned with resentment.

He couldn't shake the feeling of betrayal. How could she have quit one day and joined their rival the next?

Simon's twisted sense of entitlement made him say, almost patronizingly, “Janice, I'm willing to overlook your disrespect and stubbornness. Leave Prosper Stitch Group now and come back to Refined Threads. Work there properly."

How could he speak so shamelessly?

Janice wanted to leave, but Simon was relentless.

"Mr. Fitzgerald," a deep male voice interrupted. "Poaching my people right in front of me—isn't that a bit much?"

Simon whipped around, his instincts immediately on edge.

A man stepped out of a luxury car, exuding an air of quiet dominance Simon instantly felt the presence of a formidable opponent.

Who was he?

Edward hadn't been in the country for years. Anything requiring attention was always handled by Matilda on his behalf.

Janice Smith." The man's voice was calm and assured.

Janice didn't hesitate. She walked toward him, distancing herself from Simon.

But Simon, shameless as ever, grabbed her and pulled her into his arms right in front of everyone.

"Mr. Moore?" Simon asked, his tone uncertain as he speculated about the man's identity.

Edward's gaze fell on Simon's hand, still resting on Janice's shoulder.

"I recall HR confirming before Janice's hire that she wasn't married," Edward said flatly, his tone carrying an edge that didn't need further explanation

Janice immediately understood. "I'm not married!" she confirmed without hesitation.

Prosper Stitch Group's Product Division had a strict policy of not hiring married women who hadn't had children yet for management

roles.

Janice took the opportunity to pull free from Simon's grip and looked him squarely in the eye, “Mr. Fitzgerald and I were colleagues in the past. Now, we have no connection whatsoever."

At that moment, Harrison stepped out of the car and stopped a few paces from Simon.

"Prosper Stitch Group's headquarters doesn't welcome competitors. Mr. Fitzgerald, please leave,” Harrison said firmly; the message was clear: stay away from our prized new hire.

3/3

Sumon had never been treated with such cold disdain before. His lips curled into a bitter smile as he turned his gaze back to Janice. He studied her for a few seconds before walking over to Edward.

The two men stood face to face for the first time, and the atmosphere between them was charged.

"I've always heard about your sharp eye, Mr. Moore," Simon said with thinly veiled mockery. "But this time, it seems you've made a misstep.”

The implication was clear-he was calling Janice duplicitous.

Simon couldn't shake the deep sense of threat Edward posed, but he forced himself to suppress it. After one last glance, he turned and

lett

Edward Moore.

Simon silently vowed to push Refined Threads Co. to overtake Prosper Stitch Group, and when the time came, he would see how long Janice could keep up her act. Surely, Prosper Stitch Group's CEO was just another fool deceived by her facade.noveldrama

However, Edward stood as immovable as a pine tree, calm and unbothered. He turned to Janice. "Get in the

car."

Inside the car, they both sat in the back seat.

"Sorry,

Mr. Moore. I didn't know Simon would be downstairs,” Janice said, her tone apologetic.

Edward was unfazed. “And if you had known? This is Prosper Stitch Group's territory."

The implication was clear-if anyone should feel out of place or unwelcome, it was Simon. Janice understood

the unspoken reassurance. Her hand unconsciously clenched slightly.