Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

The week passed swiftly, yet it lacked any significant events. Florence remained absent from Pansy Group, and Monica refrained from causing further problems for Jane. Nevertheless, Jane was aware that this tranquil period was the calm before a storm they had yet to weather.

On the appointed day, Bruce Longman, the CEO of Lady Fashion, was scheduled to visit Pansy Group. As the person responsible for the Lady Fashion project, Jane was tasked with picking him up at the airport. Before her departure, she ensured that all materials required for the afternoon meeting were well-prepared.

Satisfied with her preparations, Jane rose and readied herself to head to the airport. But as she reached the elevator, she saw the doors closing. In haste, she called out, “Please wait!”

A tall figure promptly extended his foot to halt the elevator doors, allowing her entry.

“Thank you,” Jane expressed her gratitude, but upon looking up, her surprise was evident-it was Patrick. She pondered his unexpected presence and the courtesy he had extended in keeping the elevator open.

Observing Jane’s astonishment, Patrick, in his characteristic reserved manner, remarked, “Join me.”

“Thank you,” Jane said with a smile and stepped into the elevator. Patrick followed suit.

“I’ll accompany you to the airport,” Patrick stated flatly, noting Jane’s perplexed expression.

Jane was taken aback. “Please, don’t worry; I can manage on my own.”

Jane couldn’t fathom why the CEO himself would accompany her to the airport to pick someone up. He was an exceptionally busy man, after all.

However, Patrick seemed unwavering in his decision. His commanding presence was undeniable as he stood beside Jane.

After a brief silence, he offered Jane an inscrutable look and mumbled, “Bruce is my friend. I wish to personally greet him to convey my sincerity.”

Jane nodded, understanding Patrick’s perspective, but she wasn’t quite sure how it justified his personal presence.

In silence, they descended to the underground garage. Earlier, Patrick had driven to work in a Rolls-Royce, and he opened the car door for Jane, gesturing for her to enter.

“Thank you,” Jane smiled, buckling her seatbelt in the passenger seat.

Patrick followed suit, commencing the drive. While gripping the steering wheel, he inquired, “Have you prepared for the Lady Fashion meeting later this afternoon?”

Jane pursed her lips and answered with conviction, “Absolutely, no issues whatsoever.”

Jane recognized that the meeting ahead would be significant and complex. It was a high-stakes event, but she remained eager to confront it head-on.

An hour later, they arrived at the airport. Glancing at her watch, Jane noted they had ten minutes before Bruce’s flight was due to land.

“I need to use the restroom,” Jane informed Patrick.

He nodded, and she hastened away.

In the bathroom, Jane sent a message to someone: “How are things going?”

Shortly afterward, she received a response: “All is proceeding smoothly.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Jane nodded contentedly. It seemed that the upcoming performance in the afternoon was going according to plan. She felt confident; everything was under control.

When she returned to the hall, Bruce’s flight had already landed, and he had disembarked.

Bruce, a Frenchman, was a tall and burly man of thirty. He had blond hair, fair skin, and greeted Patrick with an amiable hug.

“It’s been a while,” Patrick acknowledged, his face maintaining its usual composed expression.

Jane approached Bruce, delivering a polite greeting in French. He stared at her in amazement with his blue eyes, asking Patrick, “Who is this lovely lady?”

Patrick, raising an eyebrow, presented Jane. “This is Jane. She is in charge of the project.”

Patrick never expected Jane to be fluent in French, indicating that she was not the unsophisticated person he had initially perceived her to be. Her excellence and allure captured the attention of everyone present, particularly Bruce.

Bruce extended his arms for a hug with Jane. “You’re exceptionally beautiful. Have we met before?”

Jane, however, responded with a handshake, stating, “I don’t believe so.”

The truth was that they had crossed paths once when Jane and her grandfather attended a banquet in France. However, she had been fifteen years old at the time. Fortunately, Bruce didn’t recognize her. This situation was ideal for her, as she had no intention of revealing her true identity so soon.

Jane and Patrick accompanied Bruce and his assistant back to Pansy Group.

At precisely two o’clock, the meeting commenced. Jane had prepared an impressive PowerPoint presentation, and though Bruce was capable of English, Jane delivered her speech in French. She conveyed the project’s progress.

Those in the room who were fluent in French, including Bruce, nodded frequently, expressing their admiration and approval. As Jane once again stood out, Monica’s eyes simmered with jealousy, and she clenched her fists.

“Jane, just wait and see. A grand spectacle is about to unfold. Let’s see how long you can remain on top. You’ll be ousted shortly,” Monica whispered to herself.

Following Jane’s speech, applause reverberated through the room. Even Patrick was liberal with his applause.

With a nod of gratitude and a faint smile, Jane progressed. “Now, let’s proceed to the specific drawings.”

She extracted the folder and retrieved the drawings but was met with shock as her expression shifted. All present were stunned as Jane unfolded several blank sheets of paper from the folder meant to contain drawings.

However, Monica seemed unfazed. She was the first to question Jane’s actions: “Jane, what are you doing?”

As the project director, Jane had personally checked the materials and brought them to the conference room. Yet, instead of the expected drawings, they were faced with blank sheets of paper.

It was clear that Jane would bear the full responsibility for the loss of the drawings, and Patrick, who held no tolerance for such errors in an important meeting, was expected to be furious.

Monica seized the opportunity, stealing a glance at Patrick. True to her expectations, his handsome face darkened, and his tightly pressed lips conveyed his deep displeasure. This incident was sure to result in Jane’s dismissal.

Monica maintained her calm, scolding Jane loudly enough for everyone to hear. “How could you, as the project director, lose the drawings? Using blank sheets to deceive us is inexcusable. An irresponsible person like you is unfit for continued employment here!”

Patrick’s expression darkened further. Turning his attention to Jane, he questioned, “What’s the matter?”