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?"

words. I'd always thought it would take forever to save enough for Mom and me to retire. But looking at this paycheck, I realized I could make that much in six months, or maybe

"Thanks. If you hadn't started the comic publishing company just for my work, no matter how good I was, I probably wouldn't be making

shoulder a light pat. "Don't mention it, Anna. I'm just looking for ways to

me to feel like

I was with Steven,

but always expected me to be grateful forever. But with Zane, I could see everything

my lips. "Even if it is for you, I'm

my cheek. "Do we

I smiled sheepishly.

"I'm still here, you know. Can you tone it down a

and I held back what

this month is over a million, which might not seem like a lot right

Л

of thousands of comic copies flying off the shelves, you'll be pulling in royalties, too. If it really takes off, you could

will kick up its marketing.