Chapter 115

Annie's POV

As Susan disappeared through the doorway, I found myself still mulling over the "bad news" she had just shared.

Howard closed the office door quietly and returned to my side, settling into the chair beside me. His thumb gently stroked the back of my hand, a small gesture of comfort that had become familiar between us.

"Your merchandise is selling remarkably well," Howard said, his voice deep and calm. "Now people in the comic industry and other circles are starting to imitate your approach."

"That's actually a good thing," I replied, my fingers idly tracing the lines on my drawing tablet. "It helps cultivate readers' awareness about supporting original content. It means our merchandise will sell even better in the future."

Howard tilted his head slightly, his eyes studying me with a searching look.

"Doesn't it bother you that Sarah is copying your methods?"

"As long as she's not causing trouble for no reason, I don't care what she does." I shrugged, feeling his arm tighten almost imperceptibly around my shoulders.

"She'll definitely continue to stir up problems," he said, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "And now that Caroline has seen the profit potential, she'll become jealous too. They might resort to underhanded tactics for those resources and opportunities."

I could feel the concern in Howard's eyes, his desire to shield me from any

harm. The feeling was both warming and unfamiliar-Philip had never cared about my feelings like this.

My chest tightened as I realized I was comparing Howard to Philip again.Why did I keep thinking about Philip? Was it because of Betty and Sarah's constant harassment lately? How ridiculous. I needed to stop making these comparisons. I was divorced now, and Howard was so much better than Philip ever was. The past should remain in the past; I couldn't let those unpleasant memories continue to affect my current life.

"Don't worry," I patted his hand reassuringly. "These minor issues won't affect me. No matter how much trouble they create, it won't impact my ability to earn money."

Howard's expression visibly relaxed, the tension around his eyes dissipating. "If that's how you see it, then that's good."

"Since you know Caroline and Sarah aren't good people, why not just fire Caroline directly?"

Howard and I both turned to see Catherine standing in my drawing area,curiously examining the drafts hanging on the wall. She was dressedin a vibrant business outfit, a coffee cup in hand.

"When did you come in?" Howard asked, a trace of surprise in his voice.

"Just as your secretary was leaving," Catherine answered honestly. She walked closer to my drawing table, running her fingers lightly over the neatly arranged colored pens. "Wow, these are professional grade! Annie.your new office is amazing!"

I laughed. "I didn't even notice you come in."

Catherine spun around, addressing Howard: "This space is much bigger

than l imagined. Annie, you're so lucky to have such large windows." She pointed at the floor-to-ceiling windows. "The lighting is perfect."

Howard didn't respond, simply watching as Catherine inspected my workspace.

Catherine quickly returned to our previous topic: "So, why not fire Caroline? Wouldn't that solve the problem at its source?"

"That's a good idea," Howard said, "but have you considered one important issue?"

"What?" Catherine's attention drifted away from my sketchbook.

"If we keep them under surveillance, we'll always know what they're planning." Howard explained. "If they leave, we won't be able to predict or respond to their actions."

Catherine nodded thoughtfully, her fingers tapping lightly against her chin."That makes sense."

Howard added, "Plus, with Caroline in the comnpany, I can assign her work,see through her intentions, and even figure out who might be supporting her behind the scenes."

Catherine's eyes lit up. "Ah! I get it now!" She looked like someone who had suddenly comprehended the complexities of the adult world.

As the conversation concluded, Howard turned to his computer to handle some work. I seized the opportunity to ask Catherine, "How's your new department?"

At the mention of this, Catherine's expression immediately crumbled. She dramatically flopped onto the sofa.′′It′Ss exhausting! Working from dawn

till dusk without a moment's rest! The only time I can slack off is during meals."

She turned toward Howard. "Isn't your company known for high salaries and great benefits? How can such a place exist?"

"That's because all the workaholics are in that department." Howard replied calmly. "They say they don't need salary increases; they just want to work intensely. I told them half the project's profits would be distributed as bonuses, and they ended up working even harder."

Catherine's expression changed instantly. She unconsciously sat up straighter, her eyes sparkling. I could see her mindset had completely shifted.

"Will I get a share of the bonus too?" she asked with a sweet smile.

"Of course, you're a department member," Howard answered,the corner of his mouth turning up slightly.

Catherine perked up immediately. "So when I get the money, I can spend it lavishly,right?"

I only heard Howard sigh softly, obviously thinking Catherine might not even have time to spend this money.

"If the benefits are so good, why doesn't anyone want to join your department?" I asked curiously.

"The project isn't guaranteed to be profitable," Howard explained. "Most people think the existing salary and benefits are good enough and dlon't want to take risks."

Catherine now had dollar signs practically visible in her eyes. "Can't they

imagine the project might be hugely successful?"

"There are no similar games on the market. The risk is indeed too high."Howard said.

"I see," Catherine nodded. "But I like taking risks."

With that, she sat down beside me, grabbed my arm, and leaned against my shoulder. Her expression became subtle, and I could sense she had something she wanted to say.

"What is it?" I asked with a smile.

"Annie," she began, her tone filled with displeasure, "do you remember that man who was pursuing me? The one who, after I rejected him, went and found a woman who looked just like me?"