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?"

forever to save enough for Mom and me to retire. But looking at this paycheck, I realized I could make

started the comic publishing company just for my work, no matter how good I was, I probably wouldn't be making this

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

like I owed him

was with

Zane, I could see everything he did for me, yet he acted like it was

is for you, I'm still getting something out

my cheek. "Do we really have to

I smiled sheepishly.

from the sidelines. "I'm still here, you know. Can you

withdrew his hand, and I held back what

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

Л

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

will kick up its marketing.