Chapter 24
Chapter 24:
“Miss Edwards…” Layne approached Janice to ask for instructions, but she cut him off by raising her hand. She then turned to address the crowd.
“Everyone, on behalf of JE, I would like to apologize to all of you. What was supposed to be a well-organized fashion design competition has turned into a farce. I’m sure JE herself is sorely disappointed by this twist of events. As her representative, I hereby place Delilah Edwards on the blacklist of the fashion design circle. Such a disgraceful excuse of a human being has no place in our industry.”
Needless to say, the audience was in full support of Janice’s decision. She had JE backing her up, so even those who disagreed did not dare to protest.
In the backstage lounge, Layne stood to one side, keeping a respectful distance from Janice. She sat back on a couch, skimming through the competition report in her hand with a bland expression.
“Transfer the championship to the runner-up,” she said, tossing the document aside. “Regarding today’s incident, I want you to personally handle the matter of public relations. Make sure the Edwards family doesn’t get the chance to exploit what happened and cause us more trouble in the future.”
“Understood.” Layne contemplated for a moment before asking, “Why won’t you claim the championship yourself? You did register as a competitor.”
Janice gave him a sidelong glance. “I initially entered the competition to gain Laurie’s approval. But now, I don’t need it anymore, so the championship holds no meaning for me.”
Layne was sharp enough to understand the underlying implications of her words. He could only sigh to himself. The Edwards family had unknowingly cast away an immense, almost unimaginable fortune. If they found out that the internationally renowned fashion designer, one of the elite few who held sway over the industry’s resources, was the very daughter they chose to disown, would they regret it?
“My identity shall remain confidential.”
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“Yes, of course.”
After that, Janice got up and exited the lounge.
Aiden had been waiting for her outside. When she emerged, he wheeled himself over to meet her. Without missing a beat, Janice moved behind him and took hold of the wheelchair’s handles.
“Were you waiting for me?” she asked.
“Isn’t that part of my duty as your husband?” Aiden said, his voice tinged with amusement.
Janice leaned close to whisper in his ear, “But isn’t our marriage nothing more than a business transaction? If you keep saying things like this, I might take them seriously, you know.”
They were so close to each other that Aiden could feel Janice’s warm breath brush against his ear and cheek. His skin tingled from the faint contact, causing an unfamiliar thrill to race through his veins. But he quickly suppressed the feeling.
“Please keep your distance, Janice. The moment you cross the line, our agreement is over.”
Janice shrugged. “You’re the one who flirted first, so what are you complaining about? Can’t handle it?”
She noticed the subtle reddening of his ear and almost scoffed in disdain. Did Aiden really think he could tease her and get away with it?
“Fine, I won’t say such things again!” Aiden wasn’t at all pleased to realize that Janice didn’t play by the rules. Nor was he amused by the fact that his impulsiveness had almost backfired on him. Now, he was feeling embarrassed and awkward.
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