The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Eric must have gotten used to the workload and grown confident in handling the tasks he was assigned.

"I'm good. Besides, I'm getting paid to help you out with stuff like this anyway. But now that you've set up your company, can I be an investor?"

I froze. "But your revenue share is nearly the same as one." If he joined in as an investor, wouldn't that mean lesser profit for me?

He quickly explained, "Don't worry, I won't demand more revenue share after I invest in the company."

Eric knew Annalise had what it took to lead and run a company. More importantly, the brand was her brainchild.

After some hesitation, he confessed, "You could easily replace me if I remained in my role, but the dynamics would be different once I become a shareholder."

I understood where he was coming from. He wanted to be an actual part of the company, not just a regular employee.

I said, "All right, then. But we'll need an office to run our business out of. We might not be able to afford a huge office right now.

"I think it'd be feasible for our office to be in the same building as Sasha's. What do you think? I've got some cash with me. I could wire you the money for the office. We could have our new hires work there when the time comes."

he was relieved when I offered to contribute to the purchase as well. He reassured me,

faith in his capabilities. After all, he was Zane's right-hand man. "By the way, have you figured out how much

Eric shook his head.

dollars with housing and meal allowances?" I suggested. Living expenses in the city were high, and I was worried three thousand dollars might not be enough to cover the average probation staffer's rent and other living

to five thousand after they've been confirmed and pay them a commission. If the sales numbers are good,

The probation staff and interns would hardly have any money to put aside after paying

had passed probation. The money was practically a given at

could throw in other benefits like maternity

He knew he

broke into a smile.

with an assessing look. Eric found it odd and asked, "What's wrong,

his compliments for Eric. "You

performance were second to none. He grinned and said,

makes perfect, right? Thetical

polish

all over the place when I first started, and