Chapter 1

"Janice, Amy is in such a bad state now that she can't even walk on her own. Why don't you be her bridesmaid and help her up the stage? You know her condition.

"We still have a long way to go. I'll make up for this by preparing a more splendid wedding for you once her wish has been fulfilled."

The man leaned against the gray leather couch as he took a drag of the cigarette. He said those words without a hint of emotion.

Janice Smith hadn't expected the request from her boyfriend, Simon Fitzgerald, whom she had dated for seven years. They had built their business together from nothing.

It was harder for her to imagine that the wedding that everyone had been paying attention to wasn't for her but for Simon and his childhood sweetheart.

A month ago, Amelia Burnett had gone to Simon and told him that she had lung cancer and that her days were numbered. Her only wish was to have a wedding.

They were childhood friends. Janice knew that Simon had a crush on Amelia when he was young. Hence, Janice felt her heart had been torn apart when Simon agreed to Amelia's request without hesitation.

Another woman would take credit for everything she had done. Yet, she dared not retort a word. She would be called selfish if she made a fuss about it or rejected it since someone was dying.

The wedding invitation cards had been sent out, and she would be the bridesmaid instead of the bride on the day after tomorrow. She would probably become a topic among the wives of the rich tycoons in Greenfield City.

Janice could feel the bitterness surging from her heart and occupying her mind. "I've been preparing for this wedding for more than eight months. I sewed the wedding gown myself. The jewelry is my family's heirloom. What can you do to make up for this?"

"Janice Smith, are you talking to me right now?" Simon frowned. "I've explained everything to you. You've always been thoughtful. Why are you being so fussy with me now?"

Was she fussy? Seemingly sensing that she was displeased, Simon stubbed out the cigarette and leaned in to hold her hand.

"Janice, you know her days are numbered. Let's not make a fuss about this with her, okay? Could you just take this as helping me out?"

He was prideful and arrogant. Janice was stunned to see him begging her like this because of an outsider.

What was she going to help him for? Was she going to help him marry another woman? Had she not done enough, though?

Throughout the years, whenever the company faced a financial crisis, Janice would secretly participate in competitions and sell her work. Then, she would use the prize to support Refined Threads Co., the company they founded together.

Simon had no idea that Janice was the globally renowned seamstress who was skilled in doing double-sided crochet. He also didn't know that Refined Threads Co. had only received many orders because the other bosses thought highly of Janice.

Besides, he didn't even know that many big companies in Greenfield City, including Prosper Stitch Group, the pioneer in the crochet industry, were poaching Janice. Janice mentioned nothing about all this because Simon disliked a woman who was stronger than him.

Warm tears filled her eyes, hurting her skin. All the hard work and struggles in the past seven years flooded her mind.

"Okay, I'll be her bridesmaid." Her voice was so soft that she sounded like she was mumbling. It seemed as though she had used up all her might to say that.

Simon smiled delightedly. "Janice, you're so kind."

"Mr. Moore, I found it."

At the overseas divisional branch of Prosper Stitch Group, the man at the desk was still working. He paused and lifted his eyes.

Harrison Cullen gathered himself and said, "The top seamstress who won the global crochet competition this time was actually Ms. Smith from Refined Threads Co."

Edward Moore stopped writing. "Janice Smith?"

"Aside from this competition, the five crochets that were bid at tens of millions of dollars last year and the Reversible Crimson Pheasant that the museum took were also done by Ms. Smith. It was just that she had joined the competition using her cousin's name, Shirley Olson."

The globally renowned top seamstress, Shirley Olson, was actually Janice.

Harrison was impressed. "It seems like Ms. Smith is the only seamstress in the country who has mastered the skill of doing double-sided crochet."

Edward fell silent for a moment before he said, "Have Matilda arrange for a dinner."

Holding the documents, Harrison shook his head. "I don't think that's possible for now…"

"Hmm?"

"Ms. Smith is getting married the day after tomorrow."

…

On that day, almost all the well-known companies in Greenfield City sent representatives to attend the wedding of the founders of Refined Threads Co. Classical music echoed in the grand hall that was full of guests.

Outside the hall, Amelia looked charming as she was born with a pair of beautiful eyes. At this moment, she was wearing the wedding gown sewed by Janice, looking lavish and stunning. Besides, she even wore Janice's family heirloom on her head and hand.

"Janice, I'm glad that you're this magnanimous to fulfill my wish." Amelia wore makeup, so she didn't look pale.

Then, she said in disdain, "It's slightly broad around the waist. It'll suit me better if you make it more fitting."

"I'm sorry, but this was made according to my size." Janice didn't even have the courage to look at Amelia. She was afraid that she would lose herself and rip the gown off Amelia.

"But I'm the one wearing it now." Amelia suddenly laughed as though she was the winner. She reached out her hand and took Janice's like she was her helper.

Janice stared at the bony hand in silence. She gritted her teeth until she felt numb before she finally held Amelia's hand.

The huge door of the hall opened gradually. As the music played, Janice held Amelia and walked up to the stage.

As soon as the door was opened, all the guests cast their gazes upon the two. However, they were baffled by the scene.

They wondered what had happened. The bride was a different person, and the original bride had even become the bridesmaid. They had no idea who the new bride was.

Janice was prepared for the people to gossip about this. Nonetheless, she couldn't care less about what others thought of her. Her heart ached when she saw Simon's deep and excited gaze. He wasn't looking at Janice but at Amelia.

Perhaps his biggest dream was to marry his crush. It felt like forever for Janice to walk up the stage. Her heart ached with every step she took.

Simon's reaction was beyond her expectations. He had told her that he was just fulfilling Amelia's wish. She couldn't help but wonder why Simon was this excited.

As the music echoed in the background, her vision of Simon, who wore the wedding suit designed and sewed by her, gradually became blurred. Everything became like it was seven years ago.

Simon's family was pretty wealthy but was no match for Amelia's family.

The Fitzgerald family had run a business for generations, but Simon's grandfather had squandered all the money. He had only left the town when he grew up because of how ambitious he was.

Janice had been dating him since she was 20 years old. They used to spend time together overnight on the bench in the park before they finally could afford a house. She could only secretly attend competitions to avoid hurting his pride so that she could customize decent suits for him with the prize.

With that, he would look good during business talks.

All these years, she had hurt her fingers countless times. She would cut her fingers just as her wound was healing. The same thing happened again and again.

She wouldn't hurt herself so easily now. Even if she did, she wouldn't feel the pain anymore. She thought she was finally seeing the silver lining after going through all the hardships with him.

As she reached the end of the aisle, she could tell Simon looked extremely nervous, like he had finally gotten what he'd wanted and didn't know how to react. After hesitating for a moment, he finally reached out his left hand.

This was something Janice had told him before—to ask for her hand with his left hand at their wedding. However, he was using it now to take someone else's hand.

Chapter 2

The person sitting in the front row nearest to the stage was the secretary of Prosper Stitch Group's CEO. He had been requested by his boss a few days ago to return to the country to attend the wedding of Refined Threads Co.'s founders.

Little did he expect to see the bride become the bridesmaid instead.

The wedding ceremony was still ongoing. Janice gave Amelia's hand to Simon and turned around to leave the stage.

Soon, she heard Simon saying, "I do," behind her.

She picked up the pace and wanted to leave this place she had once anticipated. She knew everyone there, and the people from big companies had only attended the wedding because of Janice.

Greenfield City was an old city known for its crochet art.

Janice and Simon's company, Refined Threads Co., was considered new in the industry. Janice had guided and trained all the seamstresses in the company.

Hence, many companies had wanted to poach Janice with good offers, but she had turned them down.

When Janice entered the fitting room for the bride, she saw the evening gown that she hung there. It was her late mother's work before she passed, and her mother had deliberately kept this for Janice.

The experienced seamstress cared a lot about this. They would make a wedding gown for their own daughter. Some older ones would even start sewing the gowns as soon as their daughters were born.

However, it was a lot of work to make a wedding gown. Back then, Janice's mother had been in such a bad state, so she passed away after sewing an evening gown and left behind Janice and her 15-year-old younger brother.

Janice stood there in a daze for a long time. Then, she took the evening gown and wanted to leave with it.

Just as she placed the gown on the table, her brother, Jacob Smith, called.

Janice cleared her throat and walked out of the hall to answer the call. "Jay?"

"Janice, you ended the call in such a hurry then. You didn't tell me which date the wedding was postponed to."

After the wedding ceremony, Simon sent Amelia to the fitting room. "Take a break. I'll talk to a few business partners for a bit."

"Okay." Amelia smiled gently, acting just like his wife.

As soon as the door was closed, the evening gown that had yet to be kept in the box caught her attention. She took the gown to have a look. Amelia supposed it was the one prepared by Janice previously.

The evening gown was much prettier than the one Amelia had. She had a thought in mind… Meanwhile, Janice returned to the fitting room after answering the call. She was overwhelmed with anger when she witnessed the scene.

"Amelia, what are you doing?"

Amelia was looking in the mirror. She was wearing the evening gown Janice's mother had sewn for her.

"There was a scratch on my evening gown. It wouldn't be nice to wear that out to greet the guests. I'll embarrass Simon. Since you've left your gown here, I'll wear it."

Amelia had replaced Janice and held the wedding with her boyfriend. Janice felt so aggrieved that her heart was bleeding.

She had only put up with all this because Amelia was dying. However, she wouldn't give in when it had something to do with her mother. She hadn't even worn it before.

"Take it off. Right now."

Janice's face turned cold—the kind that even her business partners couldn't withstand sometimes, much less someone as pampered as Amelia, who was born into a rich family.

Amelia frowned. "Why are you so mad?"

Janice only had her eyes on the evening gown. Upon seeing that Amelia remained unmoving, Janice strode forward and grabbed the sleeve of the gown. "Take it off."

She didn't yell or scold Amelia, but the latter was terrified by Janice's icy expression.

"Let me go!"

Amelia pushed Janice, but it was such a big move that the silk sleeve got stuck on the hanger. The next instant, a ripping sound echoed in the air.

Janice was stunned instantly. Amelia hadn't expected to tear the gown. "I-If you didn't pull me, I—"

Janice slapped Amelia right in her face, and the latter slumped to the ground.

"Janice Smith, what are you doing?"

Simon saw the scene as soon as he entered the room. Besides, a few business owners in Greenfield City who had just chatted with Simon stood at the door, too. They stepped back tacitly when they saw that.

However, Janice blocked Simon's way. Her eyes were still fixed on Amelia. "I told you to take off the gown. Did you not hear me?"

"Simon…" Amelia covered her face in tears.

Just when Janice was about to pull Amelia to remove the gown, she felt her body sway, and her face turned sideways. Simon's palm landed right in her face. She could hear ringing in her ears.

"What occasion is this? Janice, get yourself together!"

As Janice's head hit the ground, she could clearly see Simon carrying Amelia. Every moment they had spent in the past seven years shattered like broken glasses.

The agony she felt deep down was greater than the pain in her head and cheek. Tears rolled from the corner of one eye to another, blurring her vision.

The scene of Simon worrying about Amelia was carved into her mind.

Janice had a dream.

In her dream, she was giving out flyers with Simon again. They started their company; then, their company was listed, and now he could sit at the same table with Edward Moore from Prosper Stitch Group to talk about collaboration.

Her hands were covered with wounds. Sometimes, it felt like he was blind and couldn't see how hard Janice had been working, but he could see Amelia getting slapped.

When she woke up in shock in the hospital, she caught sight of someone next to her bed from the corner of her eye—it was Harrison. She wondered why the secretary of Prosper Stitch Group's CEO would be there.

Janice held herself up. "Mr. Cullen, why are you here?"

"You suddenly fainted. You need someone by your side, so Mr. Moore told me to leave after you woke up."

"Thank you. I'm fine. Sorry for the trouble. Please send my gratitude to Mr. Moore, too."

Of course, Harrison wouldn't see this as trouble.

After all, he had only attended this dramatic wedding because Prosper Stitch Group wanted to poach a genius who could do double-sided crochet like Janice.

A seamstress would need ten years of experience before they could produce a top-quality double-sided crochet. Talent was also one of the main factors.

Less than 20 from tens of thousands of seamstresses under Prosper Stitch Group could do double-sided crochet. And their work was barely satisfactory. Prosper Stitch Group urgently needed a talent like Janice, who had won competitions and even had her work kept by the museum.

"Ms. Smith, rest well then. This is Mr. Moore's name card. He told you to let him know any time you need help."

The name card of Prosper Stitch Group's CEO was placed on the nightstand next to Janice's bed. The room became silent again after Harrison left. Janice grabbed the name card.

Now, the companies that made orders and collaborated with Refined Threads Co. would specifically request Janice to discuss with them.

Some rumors said Janice sold herself to get these. After all, she was born pretty and looked aggressive. If not, the pampered Amelia wouldn't have been intimidated by her cold gaze.

The business owners could tell that Janice had a knack for running a business. Besides, she knew how to crochet. Everyone would want a talent like her.

When the door was opened again, Janice saw Simon wearing a frown. He wore a suit and looked grim. Instead of asking about Janice, he questioned, "Was the secretary of Prosper Stitch Group here just now?"

"Yeah."

Simon stared at Janice for a while, his eyes flickering. He didn't care that he had slapped Janice.

Janice had become prettier and prettier, and men couldn't take their eyes off her. She had the kind of face men went to war for. Simon was aware of Janice's talent, too. She was considered a master in crocheting, but Simon couldn't accept it when a woman was better than him.

"Why didn't Prosper Stitch Group look for me instead if they wanted to talk about collaboration?"

Simon thought Harrison was in the hospital to talk about a collaboration. He had completely forgotten that Janice needed someone by her side for now.

Simon held the back of her hand, his gaze cold. "Janice Smith, you're mine. Have you forgotten that?"

Chapter 3

"Was it you who forgot or me?" Janice's gaze was calm. Simon didn't feel sorry at all for slapping her. He was even picking on her now.

Back then, she had always been obedient to him. After getting off work, she would always act like a sweet and caring partner.

She worked hard to run the company. No matter how late it was, she would pick him up after business meetings.

She had done all this not only because of the bond they built after going through thick and thin for years together but also because of Simon's father, Hugh Fitzgerald.

The Smith family owed it to the Fitzgerald family. When Janice's mother passed away, Janice and Jacob had gone to their mother's tomb up the hill. Jacob had been so sad that he tripped and fell off the hill when they were on their way down.

Hugh had run down to help him without hesitation. However, Hugh had been too exhausted when he climbed up. He had fallen off the hill and died.

Since then, Simon's mother, Helena Mullins, would cuss at Janice whenever she saw her. She thought her family wouldn't have to suffer so much if Hugh hadn't tried to save Jacob.

Perhaps it was out of guilt or gratitude that Janice had been putting up with Simon's horrible attitude all these years. She wouldn't argue with Simon about where to keep the money she had made.

In the end, Simon took her as a pushover because of how obedient she had been. He had never seen Janice's true colors. In reality, both of them could hold the reins, and she was never meant to be controlled by anyone.

"You even have the nerve to speak to me in this manner now." Simon laughed as he sized her up. Then, he asked softly, "Is it because you know the boss?"

Janice avoided his hand. She looked slightly reluctant. "Weren't you busy taking care of Amelia? There should be someone out there who cares about me."

Simon fell silent for a long while. "You're resenting me."

"I—"

"Simon, why are you still talking to this jinx? Wasn't it enough for you to cause someone's death? Will you only be happy to see our family fall apart?

"You owe it to us, so you have to listen to everything my son says! Do you think your brother would still be alive and attending college if not for my husband?"

Helena's harsh voice came from outside the ward. She brought Sarah Fitzgerald, her daughter, who had just divorced, too. Sarah had always disliked Janice, too.

"Considering the occasion today, anyone with sense would know to talk about things at home. But you just had to argue with my brother in front of all the bosses. Why is it that our family will always be unfortunate whenever we meet you?"

The Fitzgerald family had always thought Janice had no background and only had all these achievements now because of Simon. They thought Janice knew a bit about crocheting and used the excuse of repaying Simon to pester him. If not, Simon wouldn't have had his eyes on her.

On the other hand, Amelia's family drove fancy cars and lived in a villa when others only had bicycles 30 years ago.

Although Amelia's parents were gone, they still had the connections. People would help Simon in his career for the sake of Amelia. Helena naturally preferred Amelia.

In fact, when Simon was young, Helena had always hoped to form a connection with the Burnett family. Now that this had happened, Helena couldn't wait for Simon to break up with a jinx like Janice, who would only hold him back.

Simon furrowed his brows and turned around to look at his mother and sister. "Can you stop talking about the past? Dad saved Jacob on his own accord.

"No one wanted that to happen. Also, don't meddle with our business. Go home."

Simon was domineering and arrogant, yet he was also smart. His smartness was his weapon, and as lethal as it was to others, lethal was it to himself, too—he was too sensitive sometimes and would easily become skeptical.

Helena was afraid that Simon was mad, so she quickly left the ward with Sarah.

Simon turned around and said, "Don't contact Prosper Stitch Group on your own next time."

Janice squeezed the name card in her hand.

He bent down and continued, "Can you do that? I said I'd marry you. You have my words. You'll be Mrs. Fitzgerald, and I'll handle the business meetings with the bosses."

Janice closed her eyes without saying a word.

Outside the ward, Amelia, who came to look for Simon, gritted her teeth. She was surprised to hear that Simon wanted to marry Janice.

Amelia felt regret when she thought of how Simon, whom she had once looked down on, had become the owner of Refined Threads Co., which was on par with Prosper Stitch Group.

Now that her family had fallen apart and there wasn't any income, she wouldn't have much money left after a few years. So not only did she want Simon to pay for her treatment, but she also wanted him all to herself.

She was used to living a good life. She would never go back to another day of working like a robot. Then, as if she had thought of something, Amelia left in a hurry.

…

When they returned to the villa, Janice went inside the house first. She wasn't in a good mood.

"Ms. Smith?"

"I'm fine. Go ahead with your work."

She sat in the living room and raised her head to look at the villa.

Simon and Janice did not live together. He always had to go on business trips, so his house was closer to the airport.

The house that she lived in was bought half a year ago. She had paid half of the cost, and this would be their future home.

Then, Simon came in. As soon as he sat down, he said, "Janice, I have something to tell you. Amy—"

Janice cut him off. "Where is my evening gown?"

"I'm sorry, Janice. I suddenly felt sick after you were sent to the hospital. It was such a critical situation when I arrived at the hospital, so the doctor tore the gown."

Amelia placed the paper bag down. Janice could clearly see the evening gown, which had been torn into three pieces.

Janice's mother had worked very hard to complete the gown for her before she passed away. This wasn't like any other ordinary thing.

At that moment, as though sensing their emotions, the air surrounding them became tense.

Janice stared at the torn evening gown and asked Simon. No one seemed to sense anything wrong with her. "Why is she here?"

"I want to talk to you about this. Amy is germaphobic. She isn't used to staying in the hospital. My house is further from the hospital and office, so she wishes to stay here for some time."

Janice wondered if he was just informing her. Her gaze was still fixed on the evening gown. Without saying a word, she grabbed the gown and went upstairs.

The study was split into two: half of the items were stationery, and the other half were tools for sewing and crocheting. She remained silent and sat next to the working table. Then, she started sewing the evening gown with her trembling hands.

Tears filled her eyes, but she tried her best to hold them back.

The thread was extremely fine, as one thread would be split into more than a hundred finer threads. It was also extremely light.

The seamstresses had to control their breathing when sewing with this thread, as even a soft sigh could blow the threads out of shape. Besides, they also couldn't use the thread during the summer, as the sweat from their palms would distort its form. It would be worse if tears fell on it.

However, Janice's tears streamed down uncontrollably in the end. She tossed the tools aside and grabbed the side of the table. Even her arms were shaking.

For the past ten years, she hadn't broken down, even when she had to raise her brother, support him in college, and work around the clock to complete her work. Nonetheless, she felt like she was breaking apart because of Simon's actions.

Chapter 4

There was the sound of people moving things outside the room. As soon as Janice opened the door, she saw someone moving Amelia's things to her bedroom.

It was Janice's bedroom, and it would be her and Simon's bedroom after they got married. Although Simon didn't stay in the same house as her, he would come over sometimes to have dinner with her.

"Janice, the lighting is better in this room. Being under the sun more will help with my condition. I've heard from Simon that you've always been considerate and thoughtful. I think you won't be mad at me because of this, right?"

Amelia came over and held Janice's hand. One would've thought they were best friends. "I'll only stay here temporarily. Just take this as fulfilling the wish of a dying person, okay? I'm sorry for making you unhappy today."

"Amy, Janice isn't that kind of person. You don't have to feel so guilty," Simon said.

Janice withdrew her hand gently. She remained silent as she watched them enter her bedroom excitedly.

"Simon Fitzgerald." It was the first time she called him by his full name.

Simon, who had his back facing Janice, turned around.

Janice looked up. She no longer hung her head low obediently like she used to.

She asked sincerely, "Whose boyfriend are you?"

Simon moved the cigarette further from her. "What do you mean?"

"I gave away my wedding, wedding gown, and even my bedroom to her now. Are you going to do nothing?" Janice leaned against the door of the study. "Am I supposed to give you away next?"

Simon held her frail shoulders. "What are you saying? We've been together for seven years. Do you think I'm that kind of person?"

"It isn't about what I think." Janice took a step back, distancing herself from him. "It's about what I see."

Simon sensed that she was resisting his touch and stared at his hand for a while.

"Are you against this even when she only takes one room? Janice, don't forget about what you owe my family! You should be grateful," Simon said sarcastically.

All the emotions welling up within Janice suddenly vanished because of Simon's words.

It was a fact that she owed it to them. Janice knew she could no longer stay there, so she grabbed her bag and walked out.

Simon sensed that she wasn't in a good state, so he asked, "Where are you going?"

Janice didn't answer and left right away.

Simon immediately ran after her. Before she got in the car, he held her by the arm. "Where are you going?"

Janice looked slightly exhausted as she smiled. "I have to work to earn money now, Mr. Fitzgerald. Don't bother me, okay?"

She had been putting up with everything because of the gratitude she had for them. She heard this kind of stuff from Simon and his mother all the time.

Helena would be harsher to her on Hugh's death anniversary.

He withdrew his hand and watched as her car left. Helena, who followed behind them, said, "This jinx should go as far as she can!"

However, she held her tongue when Simon turned around.

"Mom, how many times do I need to repeat myself? You should hate your husband for not taking care of himself. What does this have to do with Janice?"

"That was your dad! How could you say this about him?"

"I was merely stating the truth." Simon was selfish, but he was also extremely rational.

Meanwhile, Sarah stood at the door with a scheming look. "Simon, did you also pay for this house?"

Sarah averted her gaze when she saw Simon walking over. After a brief moment, Simon asked, "You got a problem?"

"I…"

"Just stay if you want. If not, just get lost."

Amelia gritted her teeth forcefully when she heard Simon defending Janice. He actually defended Janice.

Helena dared not follow as she watched Simon go upstairs.

Sarah complained, "Mom, how could Simon side with the outsider? We can't even say anything about Janice. Didn't he also trigger her because of the nonsense he did?"

Sarah quickly lowered her head when Helena glared at her.

Helena said through gritted teeth, "Janice's cast a spell on your brother. He is such a fool. He actually paid half of the money to buy this villa! Does an unfortunate woman like her even deserve to stay in a house like this?"

Helena became furious the more she thought about it. She couldn't bear to see Janice enjoying her life because of her son's hard work.

As she thought of this, she suddenly recalled that the couple had yet to register their marriage. Besides, the name on the certificate of title of this villa was Simon's.

In the study upstairs, Helena knocked on the door. "Simon, I need to talk to you about something after you're done with your work."

Simon, who was inside, didn't reply.

Janice's mind was blank when she left the house. She pulled over at the roadside when Harrison called.

She answered the call. "Mr. Cullen."

"Ms. Smith, could you hand in your work for the fall competition early next month? We're ready for the registration."

Janice set aside all her personal affairs and forced herself to be in working mode. "Sure."

She was almost done with some of her crochet work, and she kept them at home. She just had to pick the best to participate in the competition, and it would be enough for her to win a prize in the country. She had to return to the villa later to get the piece of work and complete it.

Harrison replied, "Okay. Bye."

Crochet art had been widely promoted in the country in the past few years. Even the authorities had provided some sponsorship. This helped with the development of Refined Threads Co. and some crochet factories.

As a result, all kinds of competitions were held. There would be a crochet competition every quarter in the country. The winner would participate in the international competition the following year.

The local and international competitions had great value. Aside from the prize, the reputation and exposure the champion gained were enough for a company like Refined Threads Co. to generate high profits for a year.

Janice couldn't reveal her identity, so she would always bring some flawed products to win second or third place. She certainly wouldn't give up any competition for the sake of the benefits.

At 9:00 pm, Janice had a simple meal somewhere before she drove home. She had nowhere to go, for this villa was her only home.

The lights in the villa were still on. She entered the house with a frown.

She could hear people talking upstairs. They were Helena and Sarah. She vaguely heard Amelia's voice too.

Then, she headed upstairs.

"It's fun to play around with these silk threads. I only need a slight pull to get everything out."

"Mrs. Fitzgerald, these can't be used anymore, right?"

When Janice arrived at the other bedroom she had moved into, she saw the three women playing around with her toolbox. Sarah was even pulling the silk thread of one of Janice's works.

She hastily walked over and grabbed the work that had been partially damaged.

Janice raised her head and enunciated every word as she asked, "Why did you touch my things?"

Helena flew into a rage when she had been questioned like this. "Your things? Everything here was bought with my son's money! Besides, you placed all this in a box.

"It seemed like you hadn't touched them for a long time. All these were just rubbish. So what if we pulled at them?"

Those were what she had prepared for the local competition. She was extremely pleased with a few of them. The one Sarah had damaged was the work she had planned to hand to Prosper Stitch Group to participate in the fall competition.

She had spent four and a half months working on it. However, it had been damaged like this.

Chapter 5

Janice's hand that held her work was shaking. "You touched my things without my permission. Why is it my fault now?"

"Why are you making a fuss?" Sarah questioned, knowing that Helena would back her up. "Those were just rags. There are many seamstresses in my brother's company.

"They can easily make you another one! As expected from someone born in a poor family—you're so petty!"

Just then, Amelia said, "Janice, don't be mad. I know you're in a bad mood because of me. But you shouldn't lash out at Mrs. Fitzgerald because of some unwanted things.

"We'll just pay you back. There are six pieces of work. Ten thousand dollars should be enough, right?"

"Don't give her the money!" Helena quickly stopped Amelia. "Were those pieces of rubbish worth 10,000 dollars?"

"Six pieces of work?" Janice immediately rummaged through the box.

As expected, she found that five pieces of work, which were almost done, were cut by scissors. All of them had been cut.

Amelia squatted down and smiled. "I thought you didn't want them. The patterns looked nice, so I thought of cutting them out to decorate the vase. Since you know how to crochet, I'll pay you to make them again."

Janice looked up gradually, her eyes bloodshot. "Get lost."

"What did you say? You actually—" Helena was about to curse.

"I'm telling all of you to get lost!"

Helena was so frightened to see Janice losing her rag that she didn't even know how to react. It might have been because Janice rarely lost her temper.

"What's wrong?" Simon heard the noise and came out of the study.

He could tell what had happened when he saw Janice squatting down and the damaged crochet works scattered around.

"Simon, it was my fault. I thought Janice didn't want all this, so I cut a few patterns out. Sarah thought she didn't need these, too, so she pulled out a few threads.

"I didn't expect Janice to be so furious and tell me to get lost. It… It'd be better if I left. I don't want to bring you guys any trouble," Amelia said, about to burst into tears.

Simon frowned. "You didn't do this on purpose. It wasn't your fault since you didn't know. You're not familiar with Greenfield City, either. Where else can you go? Just stay here."

"Simon, my works were ruined like this. Are you going to let things slide like this?" Janice stood up while holding the silk fabric.

"What do you want then? They were already cut and torn."

Janice was torn between the anger and guilt she felt for the Fitzgerald family. She gritted her teeth and tried to remain composed. "Don't you need to apologize?"

"Sarah, apologize," Simon ordered.

Sarah was reluctant to apologize, but since Simon was pressuring her, she said with a grim expression, "I'm sorry. Is that enough?"

When she walked past, she deliberately stepped on Janice's destroyed crochet and mumbled, "What kind of rubbish is this?"

Janice cast her gaze upon Amelia. "And you."

"Janice, you'd better not go too far." Simon furrowed his brows.

"Am I going too far?"

Janice held the cut fabric and saw the three standing at one side. Meanwhile, she was alone. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

She choked up as she said, "Simon, are you blind? They destroyed my things!"

"Amy is sick. Are you going to pick on a sick person? So what if she apologized? These things won't return to their original states.

"Your works aren't that precious, and they can't win any prizes. What's there to feel sorry for? If you want something that's exactly the same, just have the seamstresses from the factory make them for you."

Simon turned around impatiently. "Amy, go get some rest. You don't have to blame yourself. It wasn't your fault."

"Forget it. Simon, I've brought you trouble being here. Staying at someone else's home—"

"Someone else's home?"

"Isn't this Janice's house?"

Simon fell silent for a moment before he said coldly, "The name on the certificate of title is my name."

At that moment, Janice's heart sank. What did Simon mean by that? Was this not her house, then?

"I see." Amelia smiled happily. "In that case, I'd feel more comfortable staying here. Janice was so mad just now that she told me to leave. I actually felt bad staying here."

"Only I have the right to make you leave. No one else can." Simon patted her shoulder. "Go get some rest."

Helena stared at Janice, who stood rooted to the spot and sneered. "Janice, you should know your place. You'd better not think that you can live a good life after following my son for years!"

With that, Helena returned to the room as though she had claimed victory.

"Janice, now you should—" Simon was about to start lecturing her. However, Janice refused to listen to him. She carried the box and walked out.

"Janice, what are you making a fuss about?" Simon had made such a big gesture that the box fell, and all the things inside spilled out.

Janice couldn't be bothered to care about the damaged and useless rubbish.

The man before her was obviously impatient and furious. Why was he mad? What right did he have to be mad at her?

Janice couldn't fathom why Simon seemed to have changed. Could it be that she had never seen his true colors?

However, Simon went ahead and chided, "When did you become so disobedient? Are you leaving because you're mad? Who did you learn this bad habit from?"

He never thought he was the problem. Instead, he thought Janice's temper had gotten worse after knowing other business owners. Hence, he had been making a fuss over little things.

Janice smiled at his words, but Simon found her smile strange. Janice had always been gentle to him and had never been this emotional for the past seven years.

Janice recounted softly, "Amelia became the bride of the wedding I worked hard to prepare. The two of you made me the laughingstock of Greenfield City. This happened because you've been indulging her.

"The evening gown left by my mom was damaged by Amelia because of you. She stayed in my bedroom without my permission because of your indulgence. They didn't ask me anything and ruined my work when I was away because of your indulgence!"

Then, she grinned and questioned, "You actually have the guts to ask me what I'm fussing about? Are you really blind, Simon? Or was it impossible for me to repay everything because my family owes your family a life?"