The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric set his phone down and explained, "The comic's priced affordably. Most people can grab it without thinking twice. So it's selling way better than our merchandise."

I rested my chin in my hands. "These results are incredible."

"Yeah, they are," Eric said. "I'm sure Jessica and the others won't stop stirring things up. Plus, we'll take care of our marketing, and it's going global, so both the comic and the merchandise are going to do great all over."

I laughed. "So I can just kick back and watch the money come in?"

Eric glanced at me. "Speaking of which, you might want to check your account. Your paycheck should've hit today."

He looked at Zane for confirmation. "Right?"

Zane didn't deny it. "Yeah, that's right."

I checked my balance, and my eyes went wide in disbelief. It was over three million before taxes, and even after taxes, it was still well over 1.6 million.

Eric grinned. "So, what do you think? Isn't this way better than a regular job?"

not sure how to put my feelings into words. I'd always thought it would take forever to save enough for Mom and me to retire. But

company just for my work, no matter

my shoulder a light pat. "Don't mention it, Anna. I'm just looking for ways to help the company grow. It's not

want me to feel like I owed him anything. I felt something I

I was with Steven,

anything for me but always expected me to be grateful forever. But with Zane, I could see everything he did for me, yet

for you,

"Do we really have to keep

I smiled sheepishly.

here, you know. Can you tone it down

calmly withdrew his hand, and I held back what I

a million, which might not seem like a lot right now, but next month,

Л

flying off the shelves, you'll be pulling in royalties, too. If it really takes off, you could see another million," Eric said.

next month, the comic's going international, and the animated series will kick up its marketing. That means we'll