Mysterious Mrs. Pansy

Feeling a sense of unease and trepidation, Jane took the elevator to Patrick’s office. Her heart quivered as she recalled Patrick’s frosty demeanor from earlier. She took a deep breath and rapped her knuckles against the office door.

“Please come in,” Patrick’s voice came from within.

Jane pushed the door open and entered.

Seated at his desk, Patrick held a document in his hand. Every one of his movements exuded an exquisite and aristocratic air, and his commanding presence radiated an aura of authority, as if he were destined to be a king.

“Why did you need to see me, Patrick?” Jane asked in a matter-of-fact tone.

Patrick glanced up, his piercing gaze fixating on her, and he inquired coldly, “Where have you been?”

Patrick had gone to the secretarial department after the meeting but hadn’t found Jane there. He had asked her colleagues about her whereabouts and learned that she had left during working hours, without his permission.

“I was at Imperial Hotel to present the Ice and Fire series samples to Mr. Longman,” Jane replied with indifference.

“Really? Why didn’t you show me the samples first?” Patrick’s handsome face took on a slightly cold edge, and he looked at her with curiosity. Lately, he had the impression that Jane had been avoiding him.

Jane felt her discomfort under his intense gaze and looked away. She smiled faintly and replied, “Because you didn’t request to see them.”

“So, you decided on your own? Don’t you understand that one of your responsibilities as a project director is to keep your superior informed?” Patrick’s eyes narrowed as he spoke, his tone chilly and tinged with irritation.

Jane’s response was neither obsequious nor confrontational. She was right.

Jewelry was not Pansy Group’s core business, and Patrick had never given it much attention. But ever since Jane had taken charge of the Ice and Fire project, he couldn’t help but take an interest in it. He didn’t want to admit that the real reason he cared was Jane herself.

“Did Bruce have any suggestions?” Patrick asked.

Jane shook her head. “No. He’s quite satisfied with the project, from the design to the production progress and the samples.”

“When do you plan to launch the series?” Patrick inquired.

“Very soon. Mr. Longman was highly impressed with the samples. I’ll schedule a press conference after the commercial shoot is completed. I’m confident it will create a buzz by then,” Jane replied with a self-assured smile.

Jane had meticulously overseen the Ice and Fire project from its design to production. She believed in her abilities and thought she could make the project a great success.

“Who will be the spokesperson?” Patrick queried.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Spokesperson? Jane was perplexed. She couldn’t help but wonder if Patrick had called her just to find out if Osborn was going to be the spokesperson.

After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Annie White, Mr. Longman’s girlfriend, will be the female spokesperson. Osborn Maltz will be the male spokesperson.”

As soon as Patrick heard Jane mention Osborn, his expression tightened.

“Osborn? Did you do this intentionally, Jane?” Patrick asked, narrowing his eyes. “Are you using the company’s resources for your personal goals?”

Patrick couldn’t believe that Jane had the audacity to do such a thing. He was shocked that she had invited Osborn to be the male spokesperson, and he suspected she did it just to provoke him by flirting with Osborn in his presence.

Jane rubbed her temples, feeling somewhat exasperated. She had expected Patrick to react this way.

She looked into his cold eyes and inquired, “Patrick, what devious thoughts are you harboring? Mr. Longman suggested having Osborn as the spokesperson. Shouldn’t we cater to our client’s preferences? What’s wrong with Osborn? He’s handsome and has a great figure. I believe he’s the perfect fit.”

Patrick was incensed by her words. To Jane, Osborn was the epitome of perfection.

Patrick abruptly stood up and closed the distance between them. “So, is this why you’re fond of Osborn?” He asked, his voice sharp and accusing.

Jane was taken aback. She had no feelings for Osborn. “Patrick, we’re discussing work matters here. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave.”

Jane didn’t want to argue with him any longer. She decided to work late, hoping to avoid the awkwardness between her and Patrick.

Later that evening, Jane found herself the only one left working in the secretarial department. Her phone rang while she reviewed the details of tomorrow’s auditions. She glanced at the screen and saw that it was her grandfather calling.

Quickly, she answered, “Grandpa.”

“Jane, it’s been a while since you last called. Is everything okay?” Old North inquired cheerfully.

Jane felt a pang of guilt for not having called her grandfather in a long time. “I’m fine, Grandpa. I’ve just been really busy,” she replied, forcing a smile.

“Being busy is a good thing. So, the guy I chose for you isn’t bad, is he?” Old North chuckled.

“Patrick? What do you see in him, Grandpa?” Jane rolled her eyes. “He’s stingy, short-tempered, irritable, and annoying.”

“I think he’s a good match for you. Get along well with Patrick. You’ll come to understand that I don’t make snap judgments,” Old North said, touching his beard before ending the call.

Jane was at a loss for words as her grandfather hung up on her. She couldn’t fathom why he was so optimistic about Patrick. Patrick was unpredictable and prone to mood swings. She didn’t want a future husband like that.

Jane was about to put her phone away when she noticed a shadow in front of her. She looked up and saw a tall, imposing figure.

The man was dressed in a sleek black suit that seemed to blend seamlessly with the shadows. His tall, athletic frame leaned against the wall, with two buttons on his shirt casually undone, revealing his toned chest.

Jane was stunned by the presence of the man before her. It was Patrick. She wondered when he had arrived.