The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

Howard was touched, as he did not expect Zane to trust him so much. "Alright."

He was considerate enough to pull the study door closed behind him when he left.

At his desk, Zane picked up his phone. "Go on."

"The comic publishing company is staffed and ready to go," Eric reported.

Zane could now officially bring Annalise on board. He crossed his legs as his cold eyes softened a little. "Good." He asked, "Do you need help with anything else?"

"I asked Annalise to help design some game items today," he said casually. "Make sure she gets a bonus."

Eric could usually calculate employees' bonuses in a heartbeat. But Zane clearly treated Annalise differently.

Everyone knew Zane as a total workaholic. Yet, this strictly business-minded man had brought Annalise into the company. Besides, despite having plenty of empty offices, he had insisted she work right next to him. Lost on what figure to suggest, Eric bit the bullet and asked, "How much should we pay her?"

Zane thought for a bit. "A hundred grand."

Eric nearly choked. The market rate was usually a few thousand tops!

Thank God he had asked first! If he had issued the standard amount, it would not be even close to what Zane wanted, and he would have lost his job for sure.

Eric felt relieved. "On it."

He then rushed to process Annalise's payment.

...

After wrapping up work, Zane headed downstairs to find Howard leading a warm-up session with Annalise and Willow. His eyes drifted to Annalise.

It was weird. They were just doing some basic exercises, but she made them look effortlessly graceful.

...

After warm-ups, Howard got us

running. I was doing okay, but Willow was gasping for air before

she had even made it through a

hundred yards. Howard told her

take a breather before continuing.

By the time we finished, Willow was soaked through with sweat. I helped towel her off once she caught her breath.

Exhausted, Willow slumped against me. "Mommy, I'm so tired."

I smiled and asked, "Shall we continue with the training after this?"

Most kids her age would throw in

the towel when things go let

eyes blazed with

tion. "Yes!"

"That's my girl!" I carried her up to

give her a kiss, but she squirmed et

away and said shyly, "I'm all gross and Sweaty. Let me shower first before that."

I nodded. "Deal!"

"Rest for a bit before dinner." Zane sat beside us and gently pinched Willow's cheek.

Too exhausted to speak, Willow just managed a tiny "mhm".

Zane looked over at Howard. "You should stay for dinner, too, Mr. Lardon."

"Oh, I shouldn't." Howard was about to leave as he said that.

Zane added, "I already told our maid to make an extra portion."

Howard paused mid-step and turned to look at Zane.

Zane continued, "It's late. You'll be too tired to cook when you get home."

Howard felt somewhat sheepish. "Well, I'll stay for dinner, then."