Bride To Be Not Me (Janice and Simon)

As soon as Janice returned to Greenfield City, she contacted Celine.

The National Crochet Union was hosting a banquet the next day, and she had been invited.

Every major company in Greenfield City was on the guest list-including Legacy Twine, which had only been registered recently. Naturally, Elsie had received an invitation as well.

By the next evening, luxury cars steadily rolled up to the entrance of Greenfield Grand Hotel.

Janice, however, was the last to arrive.

Edward had kept her up late the night before, and she was still glaring at him through the video call as she stepped out of the car. "I told you I had a banquet to attend. You're so-"

Edward had also been invited but chose not to attend. That had been a joint decision between them.

Prosper Stitch Group was already on the verge of dominating the domestic market. If Edward showed up, he'd be swarmed by people, and getting too close to anyone could cause problems.

But Janice? To the outside world, she was just an employee, so she didn't have to worry about making enemies.

Inside the banquet hall, Simon and Heidi were among the guests, but Heidi stayed in the corner, carefully scanning the crowd. She intended to use this opportunity to build alliances with a few key companies. She'd do anything to sabotage Prosper Stitch Group and stop them from becoming too powerful.

Meanwhile, whispers spread through the crowd.

"I heard Shirley is coming?"

"Yeah, I heard that too. I'm just waiting to see her."

"Shirley's coming, and Ms. Smith from Prosper Stitch Group will be here too. There's room for only one sheriff in town."

The representatives from Melody & Loops Creations had also arrived. Their plan was simple. If Shirley showed up, they would spare no expense to poach her.

They were already struggling to compete with Prosper Stitch Group. Letting things continue this way was not an option.

"Why isn't she here yet?"

The banquet hall was filled with familiar faces, but not one of them was Shirley.noveldrama

"Ms. Smith is here!"

The announcement rippled through the crowd, and in an instant, people set down their glasses and hurried toward the entrance.

Simon and Heidi, who had been all but ignored the entire night, watched the scene unfold, seething with rage.

Simon, especially, was drowning in regret.

If it hadn't been for Amelia's manipulation, he would have been one of the stars of

the night-standing in the spotlight, surrounded by admiration.

Fueled by that bitter thought, he pushed through the crowd, desperate to get closer.

Several business owners took note of his eagerness, exchanging looks of quiet disdain.

But Simon didn't care. Forcing a warm smile, he stepped directly in front of Janice, reaching her before anyone else. "Janice, you're here."

His gaze locked on hers, filled with expectation. He was waiting.

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The Janice he used to know would never put him in an awkward

position. She had always been kind always thoughtful. So, he reached out hi hand as if inviting her to take it like she was still his companion for the evening.

But tonight, Janice was no one's accessory. She was the main event.

She hadn't even worn a gown.

Instead, she had chosen a sleek net

tailored women's suit that exuded elegance and power, making her seem like an untouchable presence.

And so, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she said, "Excuse me, please move aside." Her voice was cool, distant. Without so much as a glance at Simon's outstretched hand, she walked right past him.

A ripple of quiet laughter spread through the room as people laughed at Simon's delusions.

Not far away, a business owner turned to Janice. "Ms. Smith, do you know if Ms. Olson will be attending tonight?"

Right then, Celine stepped forward with a smile. "She's already here."