Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Janke's heart trembled at Edward's words. Make it unforgettable for Refined Threads Co.

The voting phase remained silent, tension lingering thick in the air, especially among the seamstresses watching from backstage. After all, every company had a standard policy: those who made it into the quarterly competition would receive a getterous bones.noveldrama

to pull strings behind the

And if they advanced to the finals or secured a top ranking, the rewards would be even greater. Because of this, it wasn't uncommon for seamstresses to p scenes just to secure a higher payout

However, during Jankee's time at Refined Threads Co., she insisted on a strict selection process. Seamstresses were never allowed to mark their names on the designs during the selection phase

In order to prevent any form of favoritism, different managers were assigned to oversee nach voting round. After all, it would be unfair for the dedicated, hardworking seamstresses to be sidelined due to backdoor deals.

At the backstage, the shortlisted seamstresses stood in front of the screen displaying the crochet design entries. During this phase, phones were not allowed to avoid any photos being taken.

“That crochet design.....” one of them began, voice trailing off, but her expression sand at all

The design being showcased wasn't just better. It was on a completely different level. It was the kind of masterpiece that could dominate an international competition. Even without zooming in to inspect the finer details, the harmonious color blending and the exquisite embroidery work spoke for themselves.

For a brief moment, all three seamstresses released a quiet sigh in unison. Whoever created that plece must've been hired from another company, they thought bitterly. There was no point in even aiming for first place anymore. Second place was the most they could hope for After all, only the champion would advance to the year-end finals.

The votes were tallied quickly, and the results were moments away from being displayed on the big screen.

janice had already returned to the main hall, while Edward remained outside, speaking on the phone in the corridor.

Many attendees were preparing to leave. Everyone knew that securing first place in the competition with that crochet design was near impossible. Still, most of them lingered, curious to see which company the masterpiece belonged to

Upon spotting Janice returning alone, Simon rose from his seat, his lips curling into a smug smil

“Well, no need to feel discouraged; you've always been working hard. Maybe if you keep practicing, you'll have a shot at the quarterly competition someday," he said.

“I just wonder... now that you didn't make it, will Prosper Stitch Group start questioning whether hiring you was a mistake?" Simon added, voice dripping with mock sympathy. Janice spared him a glance as though he wasn't worth a response.

Since he was so blatantly ignored, Simon's expression shifted slightly. "Ms. Schith, have you become this arrogant now?

A round of applause suddenly erupted, loud and thunderous, drawing everyone's attention toward the screen Janice's eyes instantly locked onto the most prominent design displayed at the top.

Below it, the names of the second and third places were listed.

Second Place: Desert Calic

Third Place Lotus Fond

The Fall Tournament's theme was centered around architecture; no figures or animals were permitted.

Seeing as "Desert Oasis ranked second, Simon felt a twinge of dissatisfaction, but it wasn't entirely unbearable. After all, there was indeed a crochet design that was truly exceptional

But then, the title of the first-place winner expanded across the screen in bold, gleaming letters: "Ode to the Lunar Palace,"

The applause surged even louder, echoing through the hall in a deafening wave. Everyone craned their necks, eager to discover which company the masterpiece belonged in. The level of perfection was so high that many were already speculating it would dominate the finals as well.

Over at the Prosper Stitch Group section, their entire team was on their feet, clapping furiously, Matilda, in particular, was applauding so hard her palms were turning red.

Until today, Prosper Stitch Group had never taken first place in the double-sided crochet design category. Though their other designs often contended with Melody & Loops Creations for first, this was a breakthrough for the company.

Janice dialed softly, finally turning back toward Simon

“Congratulations, Mr. Fitzgerald,” she said, voice calm but with a sharp glint in her eyes. "Forever the runner-

up”

Simon narrowed his gar, yet the agoras remained, towering over her with his usual superiority.

He said, his tone growing colder. "You don't have to fake a smile. I know you're still bitter with ine. But you need to face reality.

“Dari after jousing Prosper Stitch Group, your crocheting skills remain average at best.” He paused for a while before he continued, “Just look at the winning design and look at your own work. The pop beteren fhran is unanistakable."

He wasn't just trying to erillee her. He wanted to crush her completely and humiliate her until there was no trace of defiance left.

He added, “Janice, Helled Threads Co. has been doing just fine without you but honestly still think you should come back.

"There are far too many talented seamstresses at Prosper Rich Group for me like you to stand out. Why bother being a footnote in someone else's success story?".