Chapter 127

Sarah's POV

Caroline drew a deep breath on the other end of the line.

I felt a flicker of unease. "They're not refusing to terminate the contract,are they?" I asked, an odd premonition rising within me. My intuítion warned me things wouldn't go this smoothly.

But Caroline wouldn't lie to me; we'd been friends for years. Besides, she had no reason to deceive me about something like this.

"They were reluctant at first," Caroline replied. Her voice sounded somewhat weary, as if she'd truly expended considerable effort.

"But I stood my ground," she continued. "No matter what they said, I kept repeating that I wanted to terminate the contract. They had no choice but to comply."

I couldn't help smiling, praising her sincerely: "You're amazing, Caroline."

"Of course," Caroline accepted my compliment, confidence evident in her tone. "After all, you're my friend. Isn't it only natural that I'd make some effort for you?"

"Indeed it is." Having gotten the answer I wanted, my mood brightened considerably as I ended the call with Caroline and turned to Philip. "Good news! My comic has successfully terminated its contract with Howard Technologies!"

Philip immediately picked up his phone to contact his secretary."Issue an

announcement immedliately," he commanded. "State that Sarah Johnson's work has been signed by Philip Investment Group. Ensure the news reaches all major media outlets."

I sat nearby with my legs crossed, a subtle smile playing on my lips. How amusing that men always love to appear imperious, as if the world revolves around their phone calls. At this moment, Philip was immersed ín his ridiculous "entrepreneur" role, entirely unaware he was merely following my script. The more desperately he tried to prove himself superior to Howard, the easier he was to manipulate. The vanity contests between men had always been my most effective weapon.

As I prepared to leave Philip's office, I told him, "You're busy with work,so I won't disturb you any longer."

"Alright," he responded without looking up, "be careful on your way home.

"

"Mm," I acknowledged briefly.

While driving home, I habitually took out my phone to check online updates. As my finger scrolled across the screen, I was drawn to the latest trending topics:

"White Family Publicly Announces Termination of All Collaboration Projects with Morgan Family"

Scrolling further, another explosive news item followed:

"Howard Technologies Announces Strategic Partnership with Morgan Family"

The comments section had already exploded:

"The White family has met their match this time!" "What's the White family compared to Howard Technologies?" "Finally someone dares to stand up against the White family's tyranny."

Seeing this information, I smirked contemptuously. Bill and his opportunistic family had picked the wrong fight this time. Howard wasn't someone who would allow himself to be bullied. Though I disliked him,I had to acknowledge his business acumen and assertiveness.

Parking beneath my apartment building, my thoughts shifted to my own future. Currently, the money Philip gave me barely covered daily expenses,far from the lavish lifestyle I'd enjoyed with Robert. Thinking about how comics might bring substantial income, I began planning in my mind:

First,shopping in Europe-Milan's spring collection should be on shelves now, and Paris's jewelry exhibition would start soon... Then vacations,perhaps renting a private island in the Maldives, making those Instagram socialites envious?

When I was with Robert, such luxuries were readily available. During the first few months after marriage, Philip also satisfied my every wish, until he realized my shopping desires were endless-those designer bags,custom jewelry, limited-edition watches... He began complaining I was "extravagant."

Then Philip's attitude changed completely. He appeared attentive on the surface but actually tightened his grip on the purse strings. "For the baby's sake," he started monitoring my every expenditure, as if I were a teenager incapable of managing my own finances.

Back in my apartment, I tossed my handbag aside and headed straight for the refrigerator to retrieve a bottle of champagne. This was a day worth celebrating. With a pop, the cork flew out, and I poured myself a full glass.

Checking my phone again, I discovered the online news had updated.Now there were not only reports about the White family and Howard but also news about me:

"Philip Investment Group Signs Comic Artist Sarah Johnson"

I scrolled to the comments section to see people's reactions:

"Sarah Johnson? Who's that?"

"Isn't she a comic artist who had some fame abroad a few years ago?"

"Her works once had some followers on niche platforms." "I heard she stopped drawing long ago, is she back now?"

There weren't many comments, but at least some people remembered me.

Compared to being completely forgotten, this was decent enough. I took a

large sip of champagne, celebrating this small victory.

I immediately logged into the exclusive account Philip had set up for me.Seeing the steadily increasing numbers of comic merchandise orders, I felt a dizzying joy. Philip's team moved quickly-the comic had just launched,and merchandise was already available for pre-order, though actual production hadn't begun.

This was an unexpected windfall. When I was with Robert, I started drawing comics merely out of boredom. Back then, I had nothing to do except spend money, and life was unbearably dull. Comics became my way of passing time, and although I didn't earn much then, I did gain some recognition.

Now, that reputation was finally turning into real money!

My fingers slid across the numbers on the screen, my heart racing. This

was just the beginning! If orders were already this numerous now, what about later? Would my income skyrocket? Would it surpass that self-righteous Annie's? Could I potentially earn hundreds of thousands, even millions per month?

What excited me most was anticipating the expression on Annie's self-important face. What gave her the right to such success? Nothing but support from that man Howard. Yet I could achieve even more without Howard. Imagining her jealousy and resentment when she saw herself surpassed by me made my blood boil with excitement.

I raised my glass, smiling gently at my reflection in the window. Comic income was just the first step-first defeat Annie, and then... perhaps Howard would also notice my talent and charm?

The thought of that high-and-mighty Howard ultimately falling for me while Annie could only watch from the sidelines was more satisfying than any amount of money.

Of course, this wasn't to say I needed to rely on him-I merely wanted to conquer him, possess him, prove I was more valuable than Annie.