The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

The present stood nervously after finishing their report, bracing for Zane's usual scathing critique. To their surprise, Zane merely pointed out the issues calmly and offered suggestions for improvement,

Walking back to the seats, they looked dazed When had Zane become so approachable? Could this really be the power of love?

Each subsequent report received the same treatment-cal, constructive feedback. There were multiple glances exchanged across the room, and an unspoken message was shared among the tram "May Zane and his girlfriend last forever" Once the meeting ended, everyone left swiftly and silently, as it by mutual agreement

","Zane called out as Eric moved to leave. "Stay behind"

Eric paused, unsure of Zane's intent, but couldn't resist a bit of gossip. "So, Annalise gave you a pil?"

Zane's pride was unmistakable as he replied, "She did. But she's just pretending to be my girlfriend, not actually agreeing to date me

Eric raised a brow."Mr. Huxham, think about it-why would she pretend with you and not someone else? It means she must like you at least a little."

Zane's lips twitched into an uncontrollable smile. "Really?"

Eric nodded solemnly. "Of course. If you don't believe me, ask Sasha."

time and summoned Sasha to the conference room. After recounting Erk's theory,

responding carefully. "That she really dislikes

smile vanished instantly, while Sasha blinked in confusion. Had she

the office, I had finished my illustrations and was sprawled on the couch, checking the analytics on

days ago, I had so thousand followers, but now, the number had doubled

backend had

to find the average play count had climbed to over

By month's end, I estimated that figure could reach to thousand That

Zane gave me, I was already earning over joo thousand dollars. Adding in my other

a hand over my chest, took a deep breath to steady myself and continued analyzing the

prices were low, the solame hail doubled, by now, over to thousand items had been sold, and projections suggested sales could hit 60

dollars Adding to Zane's salary to the mix, I

just two months, muy pre-tax earnings would total

Ch, heaverd

took a deep breath again and feed myself to calm down. It took a long white