The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Just as Zane stepped out of the shower, he overheard our conversation and calmly explained, "Annalise is even more impressive than you imagine. She's giving a conservative estimate when she says she's making millions of dollars." "Wow!" Willow's eyes widened in amazement. "She can earn even more?"

Zane nodded confidently. "Indeed. This wave of designer collectibles is selling exceptionally well and boosted sales of related merchandise and some comic books."

Willow looked at me with even more admiration.

I smiled and said, "It's all thanks to your father."

Zane humbly replied, "It's really your hard work."

I didn't deny it.

Zane then asked, "The toys you've been working on are quite profitable too, aren't they?"

I replied, "Eric said their sales are almost catching up to the collectibles. They've also brought in a significant amount of money. When this trend starts to cool down, I'll launch new dolls. I estimate the stock I have on hand will keep the trend going for another year."

Zane was surprised. "You've already planned the follow-up strategy?"

"Of course. As they say, if you're not actively

Zane nodded in agreement.

then asked, "If both of you are working so hard, does that mean I can relax

replied, "That's right. You can play to your heart's content if you would like to. My savings should be

Willow smiled gleefully.

over the company. You could become a

for a long time before saying, "Even though playing sounds fun, I

Dad, you work so hard every day. You're so busy that you don't even have time to enjoy spending the money your

work ethic back then was just a way to distract himself from the pain of seeing the woman he

I can take you anywhere fun without

blinked her

family is together— whether we're at home or traveling-we'll always have enough money to

true," Willow said, her excitement bubbling

...

had managed to suppress his longing for Annalise. He had even started finding