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?"

if you're not actively thinking about how to make money, there's something

Zane nodded in agreement.

are working

your heart's content if you would like to. My savings should be enough for you to live

Willow smiled gleefully.

option to take over the company. You could

long time before saying, "Even though playing sounds fun, I feel like earning money through my

don't even have time to enjoy spending the money your earn What's the point of making So

a way to distract himself from the pain of seeing the woman he loved marry someone else. He would never say that

so I

her eyes

"And it's also for your mom. As long as our family is

true," Willow said, her

...

of solitude, Steven had managed to suppress his longing