Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

Janice handed the documents to Marie. "Take a look. Once you've reviewed them, you can take over Refined Threads Co."

She paused before continuing, "Refined Threads Co. is small. With your

experience, it should be a breeze to manage. However, many of Simon's people are still there. They might cause some trouble."

Marie knew all about internal power struggles. "Understood, Ms. Smith. But I'm curious about my position at Refined Threads Co."

"Interim chairwoman," Janice replied.

The title stunned Marie. Despite two decades of management experience, she hadn't expected this level of responsibility. She thought Janice would offer her, at most, an executive vice president position.

Edward's and Janice's trust fueled her determination. Returning to work in her home country was what she had longed for over the past ten years. Now that she had returned, she was more determined than ever to prove herself and live up to Edward's and Janice's expectations.

"Don't worry, Ms. Smith. I'll give you a whole new Refined Threads Co.," Marie assured her.

With Marie's confidence and poise, Janice had no reason to doubt her. Besides, she trusted Edward's judgment.

After Marie left, Janice decided to leave work a little early and head to Edward's house to continue the textile restoration. She had been squeezing in time to work on it, and it should be done in about half a month.

Edward's business trip was taking longer than she had expected. They video- chatted daily to work together. Despite the time difference, they worked such long hours that it almost felt like they were in the same time zone.

Meanwhile, Edward was finally able to relax. At least Janice hadn't gotten into any trouble while he was away.

On a video call, Janice asked, "The international championship is only a week away. I need to bring the crochet pieces three days in advance. Can you make it?"

"Yes," Edward replied without hesitation.

Just as he finished speaking, Barbara and Calvin appeared at the office door.noveldrama

Janice hadn't closed the door. After all, it was after working hours, and no one was supposed to be around. She hadn't expected Barbara and Calvin to arrive.

Barbara quickly put a finger to her lips, signaling for Janice to continue. Janice paused, taken aback.

Just then, Edward's voice came through the screen. "Janice."

She quickly snapped out of her thoughts. "Yes?"

Edward put down his pen, pinched the bridge of his nose, and said softly, "I miss you. I can't wait to get back and see you."

She was taking a sip of water when Edward's words hit her. She choked, startled by what he said, and coughed.

Barbara glanced over in surprise, thinking how rare it was for Edward to say something so sentimental.

Calvin was even more astonished and lowered his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe Edward—who was usually stern-faced-had actually said he missed someone.

Feeling a little embarrassed, Janice said, "Mrs. Moore and Calvin are with me. Maybe we can talk later?"

Edward frowned in surprise. "Mom?"

Barbara appeared on the screen with Calvin beside her. "Edward, Calvin and were passing by and saw that the lights were on at the top floor. The security guard said Janice was still here, so we thought we'd come to check in. Is everything alright?"

Edward paused, then nodded. "Take her out for dinner later. She hasn't eaten. I'm

going to get some rest now. Talk to you later, Mom."

Amused by Edward's rare tenderness, Barbara smiled. "Okay."

Janice waved goodbye to Edward and then ended the call.

"What would you like to drink, Mrs. Moore, Calvin?" Janice asked.

"We're not having anything," Barbara said. "You haven't eaten yet, so let's go grab

something. Don't worry about work. Let Matilda handle it."

Janice could only agree.

Barbara added, "We came with the driver, so you don't need to drive."

"Okay," Janice said.

The three of them walked out of the

Prosper Stitch Group building, and Calvin had his driver bring the car around. As they were about to get in, headlights suddenly blazed around the corner, momentarily blinding Barbara.

A Prosper Stitch Group security guard, seeing the car, yelled, "Ms. Smith, get

down!"

At the same time, the sound of a car

accelerating filled the air. Janice's eyes widened as she saw the car

rushing toward them. Without

thinking, she shoved Barbara hard to the left.

A deafening crash echoed through the air. Barbara fell to the ground, her heart racing. She whipped her head around in a panic. "Janice! Calvin!" she cried out. The security guard came sprinting over, shouting, "Ms. Smith!"