The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Zane raised a brow. "You have a point."

He watched as Eric left, and only then did he slowly come up to me. I was busy sketching the merchandise designs. I'd move on to the comics after I got sick of designing.

There was a long pause before Zane asked, "Can I invest in your company?"

I looked up from my sketches when I heard this and eyed him steadily. He blinked and asked, "What?"

"Our company isn't short on funds at the moment," I said. I thought it'd be better if I turned down his investment offer. "But if we're ever in need of funds, I'll come to you for help."

Zane seemed disappointed by my answer, but he conceded nonetheless. "By the way, how's the other comic coming along?"

He was referring to the romance comic I had been drawing on the side. I had been working on it but had not published it. Clicking into one of my work folders on the computer, I glanced at the contents and said, "Here, take a look."

Zane did so and said approvingly, "Continue with the uploads. You have the company's full support in marketing these two comics."

I nodded. "Got it."

I had made a lot of money off my first comic, and I could already imagine how much profit I stood to earn if I published a second one. And now that I was setting up a company of my own, it was only a matter of time before I became rich.

My heart raced at the idea.

Zane suddenly averted his gaze. "Now that the company has a solid idea of marketing comics thanks to your work, we plan on signing on more comic artists. Part of our resources will go into promoting

their work as well, and you won't

have full access to them anymore. I thought I should give you a

heads-up."

I fully supported whatever development Huxham Corporation undertook. Grinning,noveldrama

I said, "Sounds good to me."

Worried that I might be upset because of this, he pressed uneasily, "Are you sure you won't mind?"

"Why would I?" I turned to meet his gaze. "You're helping other comic artists make money by promoting their work, and that's a good thing. I'm not so selfish as to hog all the resources."

He heaved a sigh of relief and returned to his desk. I stopped sketching and began contemplating my future.

With Huxham Corporation's upcoming recruitment, Zane was bound to sign on more comic artists. It was time I readjusted my plans.

I would continue publishing my current comics under Huxham Corporation. Once those comics had finished their runs, I would take full controDover the marketing of my new comics. It would be a waste if my new work couldn't be promoted to the fullest.

I beamed at the conclusion. I wouldn't take my current work out of Huxham Corporation. Zane had put a lot of effort and money into promoting the two comics, and couldn't betray him by taking my

debut work out from under his belt.

I could never stoop to such lows.

...

Otis and Yelena arrived at Huxham Corporation early in the morning for the meeting. Eric greeted them and served them each a cup of tea. "Please have some tea while you wait."

Otis grinned. "Thank you."